1 Swears not to re-call Gaveston 7 Is troubled at his Oath 8 Falls into Melancholy 9 Sends for Gaveston 12 Acquaints his Councel therewith 13 Their Answer Ibid. His angry Reply Ibid. His Marriage 19 His Son Edward of Windsor born 28 He vows revenge for the Death of Gaveston 32 His Speech to Lancaster 34 Calls a Parliament 36 Goes against the Scots 38 Is defeated 39 Goes against them again 42 Is angry they refuse a Peace 44 Requires two Cardinals and sends them home Ibid. Besieges Barwick 45 Leaves it again 47 Seeks a new Favorite 48 Takes Spencer 49 Barons take Arms against him 55 His Proclamation against Mortimer Ibid. Answers their Message 57 His Speech to the Parliament 58 His Answer to the Merchants Petition against Spencer 65 Opposes the Barons 69 Seizes the two Mortimers Ibid. Beats the Barons 70 Kills Hereford Clifford and Mowbray 71 Takes Lancaster and others Ibid. Is moved for revenge Ibid. His Reply upon it 72 Beheads Lancaster and twenty two more 73 Calls a Parliament 81 Repulses the Scots and invades Scotland 83 Looseth his Treasure 84 Advises with Spencer 86 Will not consent to the Queens going 90 Sad at her departure 92 Complains to the Pope 102 He suspects the City of London 120 Removes to Bristol 121 Gets into the Castle 127 Betakes to a Bark and is seized Ibid. Sent to Berkley Castle 128 Is removed in Disguise 147 His Complaint 148 Is upbraided 149 His Keepers changed 154 He is removed to Corf Castle Ibid. He is Murdered 155 The young King Crowned 142 Kingdomes resentment of the Bishop of Chesters Imprisonment 21 L. Lincolns Speech to the King 22 Death 34 Lancaster surprized 71 Beheaded with twenty two more 73 M. Sir Gilbert de Middleton Executed 43 Mortimer spoils Spencer 55 Is committed to the Tower 89 Is favoured by the Queen 142 Moves the Kings Death 151 His Answer to the Queen 152 He flings away 153 Merchants Petition 65 Mowbray killed 71 Black Monks incite the people 144 Their Captain is clapt by the heels and dies Ibid. N. Navy set out 94 P. Parliament call'd 36 Called again 81 Give the sixth Penny 82 Called by the Queen 130 They resolve to Depose the King 131 The Speaker reads the Sentence 132 Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King 40 Is Hanged at Northampton Ibid. His strange Confession Ibid. Pope sends two Cardinals to Mediate a Peace 42 They go for Scotland and are Robb'd 43 Return 44 Requited and sent home Ibid. He Excommunicates the Scots King and Kingdom Ibid. Admonishes the French King to quit the Queen 103 Prodigious sights Ibid. Ports stopt 94 Q. Queen offers to go for France 88 Favours Mortimer 89 Pretends a journey of Devotion 91 Embarks for France Ibid. Is Tainted 94 Entertain'd in France 95 Her Address 96 Enticed to return 103 Tells the French King of it Ibid. Advises on the same 104 Joyful at Artois Council 106 Her farewell to France 108 Her welcome to Heynault 109 Jealous of Treachery 113 Embarks at Dort 115 Frighted at Sea 116 Lands at Harwich Ibid. Joyns Lancaster 118 Writes to the Mayor of London 121 Is received into the City Ibid. She goes for Bristol 123 Refuses a Treaty and gives Summons 124 Takes that City 125 Batters the Castle 127 Takes the King Ibid. Sends him to Berkley-Castle 128 Her Cruelty 129 Comes to London 130 Calls a Parliament Ibid. Her Speech to Mortimer 151 Her Expostulation 153 She unwillingly consents to the Kings death 154 S. Scots adhere to Bruce 36 Refuse a Peace 44 Excommunicated Ibid. Over-run the borders 45 Opposed Ibid. Beat A. B. York 46 Invade England and Ireland 82 Are repulst and Bruce slain 83 Seize the Kings Treasure 84 Scotland Invaded by the King 83 Bishop Stapleton Beheaded 121 Sir Walter de Selby Executed 43 Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick 42 Betrays it to the Scots Ibid. Spencer taken into favour 49 His Policy 51 Commons Charge against him 61 Banished 62 His Son a Pyrate 64 They return 67 Move for Revenge 71 His Advice to the King 86 Bribes the French 99 He is taken at Bristol 125 Executed by the Multitude 126 His Son taken 127 Hanged 130 T. Tresilian Hanged 143 Y. A. B. York opposes the Scots 45 Is beaten by them 46 FINIS Cottoni Posthuma Divers Choice Pieces wherein are discussed several Important Questions concerning the Right and Power of the Lords and Commons in Parliament By the Renowned Antiquary Sir Robert Cotton Baronet London Printed by M. C. for C. Harper and are to be Sold in Fleet-street the Exchange and Westminster * April 25. 1284. †July 1307. Edw. 1's care in educating his Son Banishes Gaveston Gaveston's Original and Character Edw. 1's Dying-Speech to the Prince Barons They swear not to recal Gaveston The young King troubled at his Oath Falls into the height of melancholy The Character and danger of Court-Parasites A Courtiers Speech to the King to recal Gaveston The King sends for Gaveston Acquaints his Council therewith who labour to divert him His angry Reply The Council consent to recal Gaveston Gaveston returns The King flights his Barons They perswade him to marry The King marries and marries Gaveston to Margaret Daughter of Gilb. de Clare Earl of Gloucester by his Wife Joan of Acres Daughter to Edw. I. Creates him Earl of Cornwall And makes him chief Minister of State Gaveston imprisons the Bishop of Chester The Kingdom resent it Lincoln's Speech to the King Gaveston banished the second time and sent into Ireland Again recalled Abuses the King and Kingdom Gaveston banished the third time goes into Flanders Edward of Windsor afterwards Edw. the 3. Born 13 Oct. 1312. Gaveston again returns The Barons take up Arms. Seize Gaveston at Scarborough-Castle and behead him The King's Exclamation on the news vowing revenge Henry Laey Earl of Lincoln dies 1310. His dying-Speech to Tho. Earl of Lancaster his Son-in-Law A Parliament called The Scots adhere to Bruce 1313. The King goes in person against the Scots 1314. The King defeated at Banocksbourn near Striveling Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King and the King a Changling His strange Confession The King goes a second time against the Scots Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick Who betrays it to the Scots 1318. The Pope sends over two Cardinals to mediate a Peace Who are robbed at Derlington Sir Gilbert de Middleton and Sir Walter de Selby executed for the same Sir Josline Denvile with certain Ruffians infest the North. The Cardinals return The Pope Excommunicates the Scotch King and Kingdom King Edw. besieges Barwick A great Dearth which lasted three years The Scotch over-run the Borders The Arch-Bishop of York opposeth them and is beaten at Milton upon Swale The King leaves Barwick King seeks a new Favorite Spencer taken into favour Spencers policy The Barons incensed Clifford's Speech The Barons take Arms. Mortimer spoils Spencer's Possession The Kings Proclamatition thereon The Barons Message to the King The
The Portraiture of Edward the Second KING of ENGLAND Lord of Ireland Having Raig 19. Yeares and 7. Months was Murdered at BARKLEY-CASTLE at 43. Yeares of Age. THE HISTORY OF The LIFE REIGN and DEATH OF EDWARD II. King of England AND LORD of IRELAND WITH The Rise and Fall of 〈◊〉 great Favourites GAVESTON and the SPENCERS Written by E. F. in the year 1627. And Printed verbatim from the Original Qui nescit Dissimulare nequit vivere perire melius LONDON Printed by J. C. for Charles Harper at the Flower-de-luce in Fleet-street Samuel Crouch at the Princes Arms in Popes-head-Alley in Cornhil and Thomas Fox at the Angel in Westminster-hall 1680. THE PUBLISHER To the READER READER THou hast here presented to thy View the Life and Death of Edward the Second one of the most Unfortunate Princes that ever swayed the English Scepter What it was that made him so is left to thee to judge when thou hast read his Story But certainly the Falsness of his Queen and the Flattery of those Court-Parasites Gaveston and the Spencers did contribute not a little thereto As for the Gentleman that wrote this History his own following Preface to the Reader will give some short Account as also of the Work it self together with the Designe and Time of its writing which was above Fifty years since And this we think we may say and perswade our selves that upon the perusal thou wilt be of the same opinion that he was every every way qualified for an Historian And ' bating a few obsolete words which shew the Antiquity of the Work we are apt to believe those days produced very few who were able to express their Conceptions in so Masculine a Stile We might easily enlarge in our Commendations of this Excellent History but it needs not and therefore we leave it to thee to read and judge The AUTHOR's PREFACE To the READER TO out-run those weary hours of a deep and sad Passion my melancholy Pen fell accidentally on this Historical Relation which speaks a King our own though one of the most Vnfortunate and shews the Pride and Fall of his Inglorious Minions I have not herein followed the dull Character of our Historians nor amplified more than they infer by Circumstance I strive to please the Truth not Time nor fear I Censure since at the worst 't was but one Month mis-spended which cannot promise ought in right Perfection If so you hap to view it tax not my Errours I my self confess them 20. Feb. 1627. E. F. THE RAIGN and DEATH OF Edward the Second EDWARD the Second eldest Son of Edward the First and Elenor the vertuous Sister of the Castilian King was born at Carnarvan and in the most resplendant pride of his age immediately after the decease of his noble Father crowned King of England The principal Leaders of the Rebellious Welshmen Fluellen and Meredith being taken and executed the Combustions of the Cambro-Britains were quieted and settled in an uniform Obedience The Scots by the resignation of Baliol the execution of Wallis and the expulsion of Bruce their pretended King were reduced to their first Monarchy and brought to an absolute subjection at such time as he took upon him the Regiment of this then glorious Kingdom If we may credit the most antient Historians that speak of the Princes and Passages of those times this Royal Branch was of an Aspect fair and lovely carrying in his outward appearance many promising Predictions of a singular expectation But the judgment not the eye must have the preheminence in point of Calculation and Censure The smoothest waters are for the most part most deep and dangerous and the goodliest Blossoms nipt by an unkindly Frost wither or produce their fruit sowre or unwholsome which may properly imply That the visible Calendar is not the true Character of inward Perfection evidently proved in the Life Raign and Death of this unfortunate Monarch His Story speaks the Morning fair the Noon-tide eclipsed and the sad Evening of his Life more memorable by his untimely Death and Ruine He could not have been so unworthy a Son of so noble a Father nor so inglorious a Father of so excellent a Son if either Vertue or Vice had been hereditary Our Chronicles as they parallel not him in his licentious Errours so do they rarely equal the Wisdom and Valour of the one that went before and the other that immediately succeeded him Neither was this degenerate Corruption in him transcendent from the womb that bare him since all Writers agree his Mother to be one of the most pious and illustrious pieces of Female-goodness that is registred in those memorable Stories of all our Royal Wedlocks But the divine Ordinances are inscrutable and not to be questioned it may else seem justly worthy admiration how so crooked a Plant should spring from a Tree so great and glorious His younger years discovered a softly sweet and milde temper pliable enough to the impressions of Vertue when he came to write Man he was believ'd over-liberally wanton but not extreamly vicious The Royal honour of his Birth-right was scarcely invested in his person when Time the Touchstone of Truth shews him to the world a meer Imposture in Conversation light in Condition wayward in Will violent and in Passion furious and irreconciliable Edward his valiant and prudent Father had by the glory of his victorious Arms and the excellency of his Wisdom and Providence laid him the sure foundation of a happy Monarchy making it his last and greatest care to continue it so in his succession This caus'd him to employ his best understanding and labour for the enabling of his Son that he might be powerful fit and worthy to perfect this great Work and preserve it And from this Consideration he leads him to the Scotch Wars to teach him the right use of Arms which are to be managed as well by discretion as valour and the advantage of time and opportunity which lead humane Actions by the hand to their perfection Here he likewise instructs him with those more excellent Rules of Knowledge and Discipline that he might exactly know what it was and how to obey before he came to command Lastly he unlocks the Closet of his heart and lays before him those same Arcana Imperii and secret mysteries of State which are onely proper to the Royal Operations and lie not in the road of Vulgar knowledge yet letting him withal know that all these were too weak to support the burthen of a Crown if there be not a correspondent worth in him that wears it With these grave Principles the prudent Father opening the way soon perceives he had a remaining task of a much harder temper with an unwilling eye he beholds in his Son many sad remonstrances which intimate rather a natural vicious inclination than the corruption of time or want of ability to command it Unless these might be taken off and cleansed he imagines all his other
for private Passion He is your Sovereign you must so obey him unless the Cause be just enforc'd your moving If he himself do swerve or raise combustion the Kingdoms good must give your Arms their warrant short time will let you know your own condition however do not trust the sleepy Lion I knew his ways and could as well forestal them but now I must resigne it to your wisdom Of this be sure remember my Prediction if he relapse and make a new Vice-gerent which shall leap o're your heads and you endure it The King You or the Kingdom must perish My wearied Soul would fain embrace his freedom and now my Spirits yield to Death and Nature Commend me to my noble Friends and Fellows and say Old Lincoln liv'd and died their Servant Lancaster whose noble heart was before-hand season'd receives willingly these grave Instructions and like a good Steward locks them up in the closet of his heart till time call'd upon him to give them life and action and yet he suffers not this goodly Tree to fall before assured He vows observance and as truely keeps it but erring in the time it wrought his Downfal Beginning Evils are easily supprest which grown to strength if cleans'd are cur'd with danger Twigs may be broken younger Plants removed but if once they grow Trees their Fall is fatal Things standing thus and all mens minds in suspence what would be the issue between the enraged King and jealous Lords the indifferent friends of either Party that fear'd this unkinde Division would shake the Peace and Tranquillity of the Kingdom propounded divers Overtures of reconcilement which are neither readily accepted nor absolutely refused The Kings Meditations were more fixed on Revenge than Conference yet seeing into the Quality of the time and into the suspected Affections of the Kingdom is won at length to admit of a Treaty The Barons truely rellishing the Tickle-terms they stood on which were pinn'd to the mutability of popular Faction were not estranged from the thoughts of Peace though they would not seek it Intercession and importunacy of the Mediators brings it at length to the upshot where there was such an inveterate spleen and so great an antipathy in Wills it is not thought fit to hazard this great Work on a private discussion where Recapitulations of old Wrongs or the apprehension of new Indignities might shake the Foundation The High Court of Parliament the gravest Senate of the Kingdom that had an over-ruling Power to limit the King and command the Subject is deemed the most Honourable place of this Enterview where a business of so great weight would be gravely discours'd which might assure the end and make it more authentical Whereupon it is immediately call'd and in short space assembled at London where after many interchangeable Expostulations diversly handled by the pregnant Wits and nimble Tongues of either Party a settled Agreement is concluded and many excellent Laws are enacted which both the King and Peers are sworn to maintain and keep inviolate By these discreet means the violence of this great Fire is rak'd up in the Embers which in after-times breaks out with greater rage and fury whatsoever the hidden Resolutions were the Kingdom now seem'd in a fair way to settle Peace and Quiet But a new and unexpected Accident varies this Conceit before it was cold and calls them from private Actions to maintain the Honour and Revenue of the Kingdom Edward the First that brave and valiant Monarch had thrice with his victorious Arms run through the Bowels of Scotland and brought that stubborn Nation that deny'd him Fealty and Homage into an absolute Subjection Their last precedent King Robert le Bruce had tryed the height of his fortune and with a fruitless opposition won no more than the loss of his Kingdom and his own Expulsion The Conqueror finding himself quitted of this Obstacle takes upon him the Regiment of this Kingdom with a double string to his Bow the one of antient Title the other of Conquest The Nobility of Scotland and all the inferiour Ministers of State seeing the great Effusion of Bloud spent in this Quarrel which continued seemed to threaten a general devastation of their Country submit themselves to the English Government and are all solemnly sworn to obey it Edward thus in possession confirms it by seizing the property of all the Royal Jurisdiction into his own hand removing such Officers as were not agreeable to his will and liking and giving many goodly Estates and Dignities to divers of his faithful Servants that had valiantly behaved themselves in this Service The Form of Government by him established was peaceably obey'd and continued during his Life neither was it questioned in the beginning Government of his unhappy Successor But the wary Scots more naturally addicted to a Phoenix of their own Nation seeing into the present dissentions and disorders of the Kingdom thought it now a fit time to revolt to their old Master who like a crafty Fox harbours himself under the French Kings protection the antient receptacle and Patron for that Nation No sooner is he advertised that the gate was open and unguarded and that his well-affected Subjects wished his return but back he comes and is received with a full applause and welcome All Oaths Obligements and Courtesies of the English are quite cancell'd and forgotten and this long-lost Lion is again re-invested in the Royal Dignity As-soon as he had moor'd himself in a domestique assurance he then like a provident Watchman begins to raise a strength that might oppose all forreign Invasion which he foresaw would thunder from the Borders This Martial Preparation flyes swiftly to the King and Council of England where it appears like a great Body upon a pair of Stilts more in bulk than the proportion of the strength that bare it The Pillars of the State which wisely foresaw how great an inconvenience it would be to suffer such a Member to be dissever'd that in the contestation with France would make the War a Mattachine or Song of three parts perswade their Sovereign it was not proper for his Greatness to suffer such an unworthy subversion of his Fathers Constitutions and to loose the advantage of so fair a part of his Revenue Edward that had outslept his native glory had yet a just compunction of this dishonour which seem'd to rob him of a portion of his Inheritance purchased at too dear a value He lays by his private rancour and settles himself to suppress this sudden and unlookt-for Commotion waking from that sensual Dream which had given him so large a cause of Sorrow Scarcely would he give his intentions such an intermission as might attend the levy of his Army which he had summoned to be ready with all speed and expedition The jealous Lords startled with this Alarum conceiting it but some trick of State to catch them napping they suspect these Forces under pretence of publick action might be prepared to
had trod upon his foot that well he knew the danger The King's intentions known brings him together all the remaining bravery of the Kingdom they knew that there was Money store to pay the Souldier which gives him life to fight and seek occasion The cream of all this strength must guard his Person the other fill the Rere and make the Vantguard with these he marcheth forward and invadeth Scotland making that Nation justly fear the sequel But whether it were the Infidelity of those about him the Will of him that is the Guide of Battles or the proper destiny of this unfortunate King this great Preparation produced no effect answerable to the general expectation he is enforc'd to retire without doing any one act worthy his Memory or the greatness of such an Expedition The wary Scots that had kept themselves in their Strengths and places of Advantage seeing the Storm almost past follow aloof off and in a watch'd opportunity set upon the tail of his Army surprizing all his Stuff and Treasure This loss sends him home to entertain a defensive War which came from the Coast he least expected whether justly or to transfer the guilt of his own unhappiness upon the treachery or falshood of another The new-made Earl of Carlile is accused condemned and put to a shameful execution The grounds against him were probable not certain howsoever he was believed to have attempted like Judas the sale of his Master which must be taken a sole motive of the inglorious retreat of this so brave an Army The principal reason that may lead us to the opinion that he was guilty may be taken from the solemnity of his Tryal and the severity of the Sentence which upon so grave and full a hearing depriv'd him both of Life and Honour in a ceremonious way whereof till this there appears no former president His old friend Spencer whose ends he had faithfully served left him at plunge being as it seems well content now he had as he thought rooted his own greatness to be free of his Ambition which he fear'd might rather supplant than support it A common course of such as rise by their own or other mens corruption they love a while their props but after fear them when with some Dog-trick they pick some fain'd occasion private or publick for to send them packing If you survey it well it stands with reason for such as to serve their ends would act in baseness in the least change may do so for another that in appearance must succeed his fortune besides where the reward seems shorter than the merit fills one with grief the other with suspition which two can never long hold correspondence and Kings themselves that do abet the Treason do seldome love but always fear the Traytour But now old quarrels sleep here comes a new one that usher'd on the way to Edwards ruine The French King Lewis being dead John next succeeds him a Prince youthful and hot full ripe for action He privately informed of the ill usage of his Sister and that the King was wholly led by his proud Minion whose actions witness'd he was ill-affected to hold firm Peace but with his own conditions thinks it fit time to break the League which had so weak assurance On this he makes an attempt upon the Frontiers of Guien and sends a solemn Message he would no more continue Peace with England Edward that had not yet digested his Scotish Pills was much displeased to hear so curst a Declaration from a Brother Spencer the spring that gave this difference motion did little dream it would be his destruction he wisht these Princes might fall out and quarrel but yet not so that it should come to action He deem'd it not amiss his Soveraign Master should hear of War from France but not to feel it The French were of another minde they saw us beaten and discontent within our selves full of confusion which gave them hope the time would fitly serve them to reunite this Piece to her first Honour Thus Kings play fast and loose with their advantage affinity and Oaths are weak restrictions where Profit holds the Plough Ambition drives it Edward piercing narrowly into the danger taxeth bitterly the infidelity of his Brother and begins to examine his own condition whereby he might accordingly order his affairs either to entertain the War or embrace Peace the hopes whereof were not yet desperate He findes himself in the affections of his own fear'd and hated his Coffers emptied by the Scotish surprizal and the sinews of his late Parliamentary supplying shrunk in his Provision and prodigality a second supply unless conditional was doubtful the Kingdom was grown too wise to be again anticipated in election and lastly he calls to minde the severity of that misfortune that waited so his Military actions that the subjects were diffident of success where he was either General or a party In this distraction while he remains irresolute he seeks the advice of his Cabinet Councel the Closet of his secrets he thinks him alone worthy to communicate the depth of his misery and to give the resolution Spencer that had his underhand aims out of a virtuous modesty appears not till he is call'd which succeeding as he knew out of course and necessity it must pleads his own disability in an affair so great and weighty desiring his Majesty that his Father and the Chancellour might be admitted into this deliberation whose maturity of years and ripeness in knowledg might be rely'd on with more assurance The reason of this reply in shew full of wisdom and care had a Plot with two faces like the old description of Janus the one lookt upon his father and faithful Friend whom by this means he thought to advance in credit the other was more to countenance his own particular which had a part to play that must be as he thought his Master-piece No word of his sounds harshly nor sound contradiction in his Soveraigns ear who made his tongue a guide to lead his actions they are freely admited and fall to consultation where the condition of the present affairs is fully open'd and sundry propositions made to reconcile them but these all prove defective in some material point or other that according to the pack Spencer might hit the nail on the head and by their applause make his project more solid and authentical Ever since the breach that hapned between him and the Queen concerning Mortimer there had been a strong heart-burning and many distastful expressions of the ill inclination she bare him He knew her to be a Woman of a strong Brain and stout Stomack apt on all occasions to trip up his heels if once she found him reeling and was not without some discreet suspicion that she was as well contriving inward practice as she had been closely forward in the instigation of her Brother To make her sure and to pare her nails before she
purer Bloud assistance whereof my Birth-right gives me equal portion let not succeeding Ages in your Story read such a taint that you forsook a Sister a Sister justly griev'd that sought your Succour Her willing tongue would fain have moved farther but here the fountain of her eyes poured forth their treasure a showre of Chrystal tears enforc'd her silence which kinde of Rhetorick won a Noble pitie the Passions of the minde being sweetly mov'd the heart grows great and seems to sympathize their agitations which produceth a ready willingness that calls to action the foot the hand the eye the tongue the body till that the Engines slack that cause this vigour and then they all revert to their first temper The Queens discourse and tears so far prevail'd the King and all his Peers are deeply moved their longing hearts beat strongly for expression which might assure her they embrac'd her quarrel and with their Lives would venture soon a tryal Her Brother bids her cast her cares to his Protection which would make Edward know and feel his errours his greater Subjects offer her their Service and vow to be Companions of her fortune The general voice of France proclaim'd a fury strain'd to the height to punish her Oppressors This overture for a while is so hotly pursued that she poor Queen with an abused confidence believ'd things as they seemed in shew true perfect real 'T is not alone her errour but a disease all flesh and blood embraceth with ease we credit what we wish and hope for yet where so great a Consequence waits on the action there is just cause to fear and doubt the sequel Though that our aims be just discreet and hopeful yet if they be confined to certain hazard or do reflect upon the private danger of that same second hand that is engaged reason in justice strengthens the suspicion To right the Queen and to restore her Heir to ease the Subject punish the Oppressor all these are works thus far seem good and easie but these not Will but Power and Strength must compass against a potent King in his own Kingdom which if it fell out well return'd with honour if ill endanger'd France with an Invasion which might perhaps prove fatal and unhappie Wise men are mov'd in Passion not in Judgment which sifts the depth and core of such great actions weighing the danger and advantage with the hazard and dependance which if they turn the Scale or make them even takes off the edge of their propense affections which Cause asswag'd the heat of this employment Spencer whose watchful eye was fixt on Paris by his Perspectives sees the glorious welcome that waits upon the Queen and her attendants he hears no other News but what provisions were made in France to serve for War in England he is not frighted or a whit distempered he knew the French were giddy light inconstant apter for Civil Broyls than Forraign Triumphs beginning more than Men but in conclusion weaker and more uncertain far than Women he taxeth yet his own improvidence that gave the angry Queen so fair advantage 't was not the Power of France he feared nor all their threatnings but the intestine danger which seemed fearful He knew the Subjects hearts were quite estranged which did expecting long for some Combustion severity of Laws had kept them under 't was not in duty but by meer compulsion which backt by Forraign aid and such brave Leaders would break their Chains upon the least Alarum To take off France he straight select his Agents such as well knew the ways of these employments and lades them o'er with Gold and sound Instructions bidding them freely bribe and promise mountains till they had undermin'd and cross'd the Queens proceedings he bids them charily observe the quality of time and place and person proportioning their Rates with such discretion that those which most could hurt were deepest laden These Pinaces of State thus fraighted arrive at Paris where the heat was almost cool'd before their coming yet they go on to make the business surer they set upon the Pillars of the State and feel their Pulses who wrought like Wax against the glorious Sun-shine of brighter Angels which came showring downwards and struck them dumb and deaf for opposition Gold in an instant chang'd the Council's temper and conquer'd without blowes their valiant anger The Queens distressed tears are now forgotten they gave impressions these a real feeling words are but wind but here 's a solid substance that pierc'd not the ear but hearts of her assistants The Plot full-ripe to make it yet more perfect they set upon the King and shew the danger To force by Sea a passage into England was a designe as truely weak as hopeless where wants a Navie and the full provision might give a sure Retreat or certain Landing To cope at home with such a potent Kingdom requir'd an Army full of strength and mighty which must be still supply'd with Men and Money which not ready here in such abundance a Womans passion was too weak a motive to levie Arms alone on that occasion which brings no other gains but meerly Honour The English Nation were not so affected unto their Mistris Quarrel as to venture legal revenge or else intestine rapine which they must hazard if they loose or vanquish Lastly a bare relation of a female passion enforc'd the Cause which whether true or false was yet in question the Plaintiff had been heard but no Defendant These were the Reasons which are daily tender'd to take the French King off from his intentions which lov'd to talk of War but not to act it A small perswasion quickly fills his stomack that could not well digest a War with England Young Kings that want Experience have not Judgment to touch the marrow of their proper business and sound the depths of Councels For Advisers may be abused and bought and sold to mischief while Servants raise their gain from their dishonour This being so frequent 't is a Royal Virtue that hears and sees but gives no resolution in things of weight till he have reconciled his own with judgment to the Councils reasons if that it be above his reach that is in question let him not so rely upon the great ones that their words prove a Law which have their workings that aim more at their ends than his advancement As Kings have Councellors of State to ease their Burden so should they have a second help to guard their Honour a lesser body of selected good ones whose wisdomes privately inform him rightly of what in goodness is most fit his judgment State-actions fill the Purse but foul the Conscience and Policy may bloom the Profit blights the Honour which Kings should keep as tender as their Eyesight Though thus the squares that fed her hopes were altered the Queen is still led on with promis'd Succours which at the upshot meet with new excuses She seeing these delays and vain
protractions begins to doubt and fear there was some juggling yet bears it strongly with a noble Patience shewing no Discontent or least Suspicion hoping at worst that here in safety she and her Son might anchor out their troubles The Posts that daily fly 'twixt France and England had liberally inform'd the state of French Occurrents Spencer inform'd the gap was stopt on that side provides to quiet all at home if he could work it he sets upon the discontented Barons that hated him and envied more his Fortunes he courts their favour and imparts Promotions that might betray them more with shew than profit he makes the Gentry proud by giving Titles that feed ambitious mindes but not content them and takes off from the People light Oppressions but keeps afoot the greatest Grievance that kept them down from hope to shake his Greatness All sides do entertain it with a seeming gladness though well they knew it was enforced kindness While each part thus dissembles their intentions the Navie was call'd home a Charge was useless where was no fear might cause a forraign danger the Ports were open'd and the Watch surceased that day and night attended on the Frontier This haste as 't was too sudden wants assurance the rising Son was absent and still lookt for while the declining dipt his cheeks in darkness To ease this care the Queen is strongly tempted by such as seem'd her friends but were his Agents to reconcile her self unto her Husband whom henceforth she might rule as she thought fitting When this fell short she is at least intreated to send back her young Son the Kingdoms comfort which took it ill he should be made a Stranger or in the power of a forraign Nation These sweet enchantments move no whit her yielding that too well knew the Serpent that begat them her Son sent back they had the prey they lookt for and she must lack the prop must keep her upright This Project failing they fall upon a new one The King frames a Letter to his Holiness full of humility and fair obedience yet craving help and bitterly complaining that Isabel his Wife had fled his Kingdom pretending a meer Voyage of Devotion and had stoln away his Son his only comfort attended by a Crue of trayterous Rebels that strove to break the Peace of Christian Princes amongst which one being tane in actual Treason had escap'd his Prison by a lewd Inchantment whom he had cause to fear abus'd his Wedlock Lastly the French King his Alley and Brother received and kept them being often summon'd to desist and leave them The Pack of this complaint so well contrived was not opposed by the French King's Council who could be well content that by commandment their importuning Guests were fairly quitted Necessity would colour actions of unkindness if Houshold-Laws were broke or those of Nature This Letter runs from hence to Paris from thence to Rome by that same practick Agent that in this Interlude had won the Garland he bears a Picklock with him that must open the gates that were fast shut to guard the Conclave his first Arrival finds a fair reception Where Money makes the Mart the Market's easie These goodly gloses guilded o're with shadows must win belief where there was none to answer Had they been just and true the fact was odious and might in Justice challenge reformation it was enough that here it is believed so the Fact was fully proved the Reason smother'd The Cardinals that freely felt the English Bounty perswade the Pope it was both just and pious so great a Misdemeanour should be question'd that gave the Christian word so lewd Example On this flies out a present Admonition to the French King that straight he free his Kingdome of this his Sister-Queen and her Adherents on pain of disobedience Interdiction While this Device was moulding out of England the Queen receives a large but secret Summons that all her friends were ready to attend her with all things fitting on her first arrival more than the plagues of Egypt did oppress them which they nor could nor would endure longer they bid her hasten her return though her provision were not enough their Swords should fight her Quarrel She with a joyful heart receives this offer which like a precious Balm clos'd up the wounds of her sad thoughts made dull with her suspicion More to advance this weighty work declining she tells the King the tenour of this tender His clouded brow the character of Passion discover'd soon the signes of alteration which yet seem'd more of Pitie than of Anger he had but then read his Italian Summons which he plucks forth and casts his drooping Sister bidding her view and wisely there consider what danger he was in by her protection The amazed Queen when she beheld the Sentence in stead of help would rob her of her refuge she falls upon her knee imploring pitie if not to give her Aid to right her Honour which was eclipsed with so foul a Slander A showre of mellow tears as milde as April's thrill down her lovely cheeks made red with anger dearly she begs at least but so much respite until his Holiness might be informed her innocence was such sought no favour but that the Law should give upon full hearing She doth implore him that he would compare her adversaries malice with his cunning who not contented with her deep oppression sought to betray at once her Hope and Honour wrought with such art and such a close conveyance that here her Judgement had outrun her Tryal He nothing sorry for so fair a warrant that took him off from charge and future hazard and yet withal would cover such Unkindness seems to lament the cause and his condition that of necessity must yeeld obedience he could not for her sake at one blow hazard the danger of himself and his whole Kingdom Not to forsake her wholly he perswades her to entertain a Peace the King her Husband should yeeld to her Conditions he 'll effect it that had a power to force it in his denyal which he would venture if the World gainsaid it Let him quoth he then use you ill or not receive you I 'll make him know I can and will revenge it small time is left you to consider or dispute it advise with speed and let me know your answer The amazed Queen abandoned and forsaken relates at full this far unlookt-for passage unto the Bishop Cane and Mortimer their valiant hearts make good their Mistris sorrows and tell her they would set her right without the French-men bidding her not consent to her returning though it were soder'd up with showers of kindness she well enough did know her Husbands humour which would observe no Vow no Oath no Promise if Spencer once more seiz'd her in his clutches she should be surely mew'd and kept from Gadding Mortimer contains not in this strain his Passion but breaks into the
and custody to be himself dissolute licentious and ill-affected but when he falls into a second errour making more delinquents Kings where one is too much he brings all into disorder and makes his Kingdome rather a Stage of Oppression than the Theater of Justice which opens the ready way to an ensuing Misery The heart of the Subject as it is obliged so it is continued by the Majesty and Goodness of the King if either prove prostitute it unties the links of Affection those lost the breach of Duty succeeds which hunts after nothing but Change and Innovation The bridle of the Laws is too weak a restriction especially when it is infring'd by him that is most bound to protect it Neither can the King in Justice blame or punish the breach when he himself goes the way of subversion of those Precepts which should preserve his Peace and Obedience It is so singular and so weighty a Consideration that a Burthen should never be imposed upon the Subject by extent of the Prerogative that may beget a just Grievance besides the grief in payment the novelty of the act incites to a tumultuous opposition Where there is neither Law to warrant nor fit president to induce the Injustice of the demand such actions begin in Complaint which unredressed fall into an extremity which draws with it a desperate hazard If the tye of Duty and Allegeance preserve the Obedience to the Crown inviolate let him beware that is the Prime Instrument or Seducer for he must be persecuted with implacable hatred which ends not until he be made a Sacrifice to expiate and quench the fury or the endangering of his Master by his unjust Protection It is no less proper for the Majesty and Goodness of a King in case of a general Complaint to leave those great Cedars to the trial of the Law and their own purgation this makes known the integrity and equality of his Justice which should not be extended to the grubbing up of Brambles and Shrubs while monstrous Enormities of a greater height and danger scape unlopped The accumulation of his Favour though it be a property of his own Power yet ought it in some measure to be satisfactory as well in the present worth of him elected as in his future progression else in the continuance he windes himself into the danger of participating his hatred as well as protection of his Errour The eye of the Subject waits curiously upon their Sovereigns actions which if they seem to degenerate from his Wisdome and Greatness and preferring a private Inconvenience before the redress of a publick Grievance it by degrees varies the integrity of the heart and begets a liberty of Speech which fall often on the actions of Revolt and Tumult Neither is it proper if there must be a Dotage in the Royal Affections that the object of their weakness should sway and manage the Affairs of State such an Intermixture begets Confusion and Disorder accompanied with Envy Hatred and a world of Errours If the King be never so innocent yet in this course he cannot avoid the actions of Injustice Experience tells the right use of a Favourite A good Cause in the integrity of time warrants it self and needs no supporter But Imperfection Fraud Dishonesty and Weakness in true Worth fly to his protection that by his strength they may prevail which in Equity and Justice are meerly corrupt and counterfeit Money Friends or Favour engageth him and he his Master hence proceed all manner of Oppression and Disorder Let the Spring-head be never so pure and unpolluted yet such a Diver makes it foul and muddy A smooth Tongue finding a favourable hearing sets a fair gloss upon the blackest Overture Love and a seeming Goodness leads where all seems currant which hatches daily broods of grief and mischief Thus doth the Kingdom suffer so misguided Had this unhappy subject of this Story not been thus abused had he been worser far he had subsisted but when for his inglorious Minions Gaveston and Spencer who successively enjoy'd him he made the Kingdome a prey to their Insolence he found both Heaven and Earth conspir'd his ruine So great a Fall these latter times produce not a King in a potent Kingdome of his own deposed by a handful of Strangers who principally occasioned it without so much as any Kinsman Friend or Subject that either with his Tongue or Sword declar'd himself in his Quarrel But you may object He fell by Infidelity and Treason as have many other that went before and followed him 'T is true but yet withal observe here was no second Pretendents but those of his own a Wife and a Son which were the greatest Traytors had he not indeed been a Traytor to himself they could not all have wronged him But my weary Pen doth now desire a respite wherefore leaving the perfection of this to those better Abilities that are worthy to give it a more full expression I rest until some more fortunate Subject invite a new Relation AN Alphabetical TABLE A. RObert of Artois his Character Page 105 His speech 106 Arundel Hanged 130 B. Barons the Kings Speech to them 5 They swear not to recall Gaveston 7 Are slighted by the King 18 Perswade him to Marry Ibid. Take up Arms 29 Seize Gaveston and Behead him 30 They are incensed 53 Take Arms again 55 Their Message to the King 56 Appear with a Guard 58 King writes to them 66 Their Answer Ibid. They rise 69 Are beaten and fly to Pontfract 70 Are pursued and repair to Councel 71 Speech in favour of them Ibid. Bristol City desires a Treaty with the Queen 124 Is yielded to her 125 Barwick betrayed to the Scots 42 Besieged by the King 45 Deserted by him 47 Sir Barth Baldesmere's Castle seized 68 Baldock's Speech 93 Is committed to Newgate 143 C. Carlisle Earl Executed 84 Cliffords Speech 54 Killed 71 Councel labour to divert the King from re-calling Gaveston 13 They consent to re-call him 15 Cautious Speech for Gaveston 10 Chester Bishop Imprisoned 21 D. Sir Josline Denvil infests the North 43 A great Dearth 45 E. Exeter forsakes the Queen 108 F. French King breaks Peace with England 85 Receives the Queen of England 97 Threatens the King 98 Shews the Queen the Popes Sentence 103 Perswades her to Peace 104 G. Gaveston Banished 4 His Character Ibid. Re called home again 12 He returns 17 And is Married 19 Created Earl of Cornwal Ibid. Chief Minister of State 20 Imprisons the Bishop of Chester 21 Is Banisht a second time 23 Re called again 25 Is Banisht a third time 27 Returns again 29 Is seized by the Barons and Beheaded 30 H. Sir Andrew Harcklay repulses the Barons 71 Hereford killed Ibid. Earl of Heynault welcomes the Queen 110 Reproves his Brother 111 His Brothers Answer 112 Rewarded and departs the Kingdom 145 K. King Edward I. his care in educating his Son 2 He Banishes Gaveston 4 He dies 5 King Edward II. his Birth and Character
Kings Answer The Barons appear with a strong Guard The King's Speech to the Parliament The Commons Charge against Spencer The Spencers banished The Son turns Pirate The Merchants petition the King against him The Kings Answer The King writes to the Lords The Barons Answer The Londoners Petition for Spencers return The Spencers return Sir Barthol Baldsmere's Castle seised The King takes Arms. Seizes the two Mortimers The Barons rise The Barons beaten fly to Pontfrect Valens ' Speech in favour of the Lords The Kings Reply Lancaster beheaded and 22 more Good Policy to maintain a divided Faction in Court and Councel Spencer's Policy A Parliament called They give the King the sixth Peny Prodigious Sights The Scotch invade the English Borders and Ireland Are repulst Their General slain The King invades Scotland The Scotch seize the K. Treasure Earl of Carlile Executed The French King breaks his Peace with England The King adviseth with Spencer Spencer's Answer He adviseth the Queen be sent to France She offers to go She casts a wandering eye on Mortimer Mortimer in the Tower The King will not consent to her going Pretending a Journey of Devotion She embarques for France with Mortimer The King sad at the News Spencer encourageth him The Queen is tainted The Ports are stopt the Navie sent out and Watch and Ward every where The Queen entertain'd in France with seeming gladness The Queens Address The King and his Peers moved at her discourse Spencer eyes the French but fears them not He bribes them King Edward complains to the Pope The Pope admonishes the French King to quit the Queen She is enticed to return into England She tells the French King He shews her the Popes Sentence Perswades her to Peace She relates it to the Bishop Cane and Mortimer Who advise her not to return Mortimer storms The Queen moderates Robert of Artois His Speech Which infinitely joys the Queen Her Farewel to France The Bishop of Exeter forsakes the Queen Is bravely welcomed by the Earl His Brother pities the Queen and promises his Service He makes preparation The Earl condemns his haste His Answer The Queen jealous of Treachery Spencer's Agents frustrated The Queens doubts increasing she importunes the hastning her journey But without need The Queen embarques at Dort She is frighted at Sea She lands at Harwich Marching forward She is refresh'd at St. Hamonds Abbey Lancaster first joyns her The King is despairingly sorrowful his Council startled The King suspects the City of London Betakes himself to Bristow The Queen sends a mandatory Letter to the Mayor of London to keep the City for her and the Prince Bishop Stapleton beheaded by the Multitude The Queen sets out for Bristol Whence a hot Salley upon her A Treaty desired by that City Which being rejected the Queen gives them a peremptory Summons It is yielded Old Spencer Executed The King and young Spencer amaz'd The Queen batters the Castle The King and Spencer betake to a Bark but are beaten back by Weather The Bark seized The King sent to Berkly Castle Spencer insulted over The Queens Cruelty Spencer hanged Arundel the like The Queen comes to London She calls a Parliament They conclude to depose the King The Speaker makes a resignation of Homage reads the Sentence The King answers not a word The young King crowned The Queen and Mortimer bear sway They commit Baldock to Newgate Tresilian Lord Chief-Justice hanged The black Monks impatient of the King's restraint They not only incite the people but make Donhead their Captain Who is clapt by the heels and dies Sir John of Heynault and the rest rewarded They depart the Kingdom The King taken from the Earl of Lancaster delivered to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They remove him in disguise The King grieved with Indignities His Complaint The King is uncivilly upbraided His Answer The Queen and Mortimer unquiet still Mortimer's ears tingle He tells the Queen the King must die She seems discontented She returns her Answer Mortimer nettled His Reply Mortimer flings away The Queens expostulation She unwillingly consents to the Kings Death The Kings Keepers changed He is removed to Corf Castle He is murdered