VOX COELI OR NEWES FROM HEAVEN OF A CONSVLTATION THERE HELD BY THE HIGH and mighty Princes King HEN. 8. King EDW. 6. Prince HENRY Queene MARY Queene ELIZABETH and Queene ANNE wherein SPAINES ambition and treacheries to most Kingdomes and free Estates in EVROPE are vnmaskd and truly represented but more particularly towards ENGLAND and now more especially vnder the pretended match of Prince CHARLES with the Infanta DONA MARIA Whereunto is annexed two Letters written by Queene Mary from Heauen the one to Count Gondomar the Ambassadour of SPAINE the other to all the Romane Catholiques of ENGLAND Written by S. R. N. I. Printed in Elesium 1624. TO THE ILLVSTRIOVS AND GRAVE ASSEMBLY OF THE HIGH COVRT OF PARLIAMENT The fruition of all Temporall Blessings The felicitie of all Spirituall Blessings LORDS KNIGHTS BVRGESSES TO you who are the re-presentiue body of England and the Epâ—…tomie and Compendium of this great Volume of our Estate To you who are assummoned by our King and sent vp by our Country to obay the first with your best Fidelities to serue the second with your chiefest Zeale and endeuours and to affect and honour both with your most religious Prayers and wishes To you from whom God for his glory our Soueraigne for his honour and safety and our Church and Common-weale for their flourishing well-fare and prosperity doe expect much by your transcendent and honourable imployments To you I say and to no other doe I present this Consultation termed VOX Coeli to your consideration and dedicate it to your protection And because in point of integritâ—…e and duty I hold my selfe bound â—…o bring the truth neerer to your knowledge or rather home to your vnderstanding May it please you to be informed that about some three yeares since at the first sitting of the last high Court of Parliament when our King was so earnest in proposing the match of our Noble Prince his Sonne with the Infanta of Spaine When the King of Spaine coulourably presented though not really intended to be dâ—…epely affected to entertaine and embrace the said motion When Counâ—… Gondmar his Ambassador made shew to be a zealous solicitour and a most actiue and officious stickler for compassing and finishing it When our Romish Catholiques became passionately and insultingly confident of the free tolleraâ—…lon of their Religion and in the skie-reaching mountaines of their ambitions and superstitious hopes were already preparing to erect their Groues and Altars to set vp their Idols and Images and consequently to introduce their Pope and his Masse in the Temples of our God when all Prisons were vnlocked and open to all pernitious Priests and dangerous â—…esuites and that many others 〈◊〉 Caterpillers and Vipers came flocking and swarming from diuers parts of Europe to poison and eate cut the soules of our people with their Idolatrous doctrine of Antichrist and to with-draw their hearts and consciences from their Alleagiance and Fideliâ—…ie to their naturall Prince and Countrey purposely with 〈◊〉 treachery then Religion to subiect them to a forraigne power and iurisdiction When the Emperour had beaten the King of Bohemia from Prague and the Duke of Bauaria with the assistance of the Swords Soulders and Treasure of the King of Spaine had in a setled truce assaulted and taken many Townes in the Palatinate contrary to their promises to our King and of his Maresties to the Prince his Sonne in Law and contrary to the Publique peace of Germany aend Christendome Then then it was that to pull off the Maske of Spaines ambition and malice who with the fire of this match sought to set England all flaming in a mournfull and miserable combustion thereby to bury her glory in the dust and her safety in the cinders of her subuersion and ruines that as Prometheus fetch'd fire from heauen so the fire of my zeale to the good of my Prince and Country likewise fetch'd from thence this Royall consultation for the discouery of our apparant and imminent dangers and in knowing them to know likewise how to preuent them Which resoluing to mâ—…ke publiqâ—…e because it solely reâ—…ded to Englands publique 〈◊〉 and prosperitie I contrary to my expectation but not to my feares saw my hopeâ—… nipâ—… in their blossoms and my desires stisâ—…ed in their births because the Seas of our Kings affection to Spaine went so loftle and the winder were so tempestious that it could not possibly be permitted to passe the Pikes of the Presse When albeit my zeale and fidelity againe and again infused new audacitie and courage to my resolutions to see it receiue the light yet it was imposible for mee or it to bee made so happy because I sawe Allureds honest letter Scots loyall Vox Populy D. Whiting D. Euerard and Claytoâ—…s zealous Sermons and others suppressed and silenced as also Wards faithfull picture which yet was so innocent as it onely breathed foorth his fidelity to England in silent Rethorique and dumbe eloquence Wherevpon inforced to take a lawe from the iniquitie of the time with much reluctation and more greife I bushed vp my said Consultations in silence because I could not serue my Prince and Countrie in that Booke of mine I therfore then renewed my constant resolution and zeale to serue them in my most seruent prayers and my most religious and zealous wishes the which I haue euer since faithfully and constantly performed Sitting thus to behold the constant inconstancie of the World Which presents as many different accidents to our knowledge as obiects to our eye and being Iealous Vigelant and attentiue to that which did or which might any way appertaine to my Soueraigne and his Princely posteritie to his Dominions and Subjects I was enforced to see O that I had beene so happie as not to banâ—… seene the perfidious progresse of Spaines now trecheries and vsurpation vpon many countries of Europe for first his Cousen Leopaldus hath deuoured the Dutchy of Cleaues and Iulleirs then he and his forces haue taken many other free Townes and whole Bishoprickes in the Countries of Luxembourg and Lâ—… Marke as also in the frontiers of Swisserland and Loraine Then he and his factor the Duke of Bauaria for him hath finished his absolute Conquest of the Pallatinate that dainty rich and fertile Prouince of Germany the dowry of our onely Princesse the inheritance of the Prince her Husband and the Patrimonie of their Royall issue wherein the honour of our King and his three famous Kingdomes doe most extreamely suffer I saw him conquer the chiefest Cities Forts and Passages of the Grisous and hath brought their liberties and liues to their last gaspe and periode yea to the mercilesse mercy of his not generous but bloody sword which being vnder the protection of the French King doth likewise cast a wonderfull stayâ—…e and blemish on the lustre of his honour and Crowne if he speedily take not his reuenge thereof by leauing these his honest 〈◊〉 as free as he found them and as great Henry his
by their subordinate and yet transcendent power drawne from his most sacred Maiestie of Heauen as the Starres who actually deriue their light and borrow their lustre from the refulgent beames and glorious body of the Sun And as this great God seated in his Coelestiall throne of Glory with his All seeing and sacred eyes beholds in Heauen the thoughts and actions of men here on Earth so likewise out of his indulgent mercy and prouidence he likewise giues the same authority and power to his Angels Saints and Martyrs to doe the like who clad in white Robes the Ornaments of sanctity and purity with Palme branches in their hands the Emblemes of Peace and Ioy and Crowns and Coronets on their heads the rewards and markes of Glory Follow the Lamb Christ Iesus wheresoeuer hee goe still singing these ioyfull Io Peans and Epithalamians of Haleluiah and Glory be to God on high Peace on earth and good will towards men By vertue of which Diuine priuiledges the maske of Spaines boundlesse Ambition being discouered and pull'd off in supporting the Pope and seeking the increase of his spirituall Iurisdiction whereby his Holinesse in Exchange may enlarge that of Spaines temporall Monarchie so as that shall haue feete to goe and these wings to flie to the height of earthly greatnesse whereby the Catholique Kings ayme out of the ruines of Rome and Germany to erect another Empire in the west and endeauour by degrees to make most of the Kingdomes and Free Estates of Europe become Prouinces vnto Spaine as some by force some by policie some by treacherie and now England by the match of the Infanta his Daughter with our most Illustrious and Royall Prince Charles next to his Royall Father King Iames our most dread Soueraigne the hope of Englands life and the life of it's ioy and hope I say the newes of these proiects and resolutions of Spaine hauing with as much fortunary as celeritie passed the cloudes and peirced the Vaults and windowes of Heauen it fast arriued there to the vnderstanding of that immortall Mayden Queene Elizabeth whose heart euer loued England as her soule did Heauen and of whose flourishing wellfare and prosperity I cannot truely auerre whether she still remaine more iealous or ambitious whereat grieuing with as much disdaine as she disdained with griefe and knowing that her Nephew and God-sonne Prince Henry participated and burned in her zeale that the insatiable and blood-thirsty ambition of Spaine might not erect his Trophees vpon the Tombe of Englands downfall and the ruines of her subuersion shee speedily acquaints him with it whome although heauen had purified and deuested of his Earthly passions yet such was this young prince his neuer dying zeale to Englands euer liuing glory that his Highnesse could not refraine from looking red with anger and pale with feare at the report and knowledge thereof They consult hereon and hold it both expedient and necessary to acquaint other English Princes herewith especially those whome they knew stood deeply and sincerely affected to England So Prince Henry acquaints his Mother Queene Anne herewith and Queene Elizabeth her Brother King Edward 6. and both their Father king Henry 8. who so vppon aduise hereof could not refraine to looke on England with the eyes of affection and pitty and on Spaine with those of indignation and contempt So these fiue great Princes Queenes prepare themselues to Consult on this most important busines when loe they are suddenly met and assayled with a doubt of no meane consequence and consideration viz. Whether or no they should admit receiue Queene Mary into this their Consultation whom not her Romane merits but the prayers of the Protestants had brought to Heauen When at first they considering that in heart and soule she alwayes loued and preferred Rome and Spain before England they resolued to exclude her but at last vpon riper and more mature deliberation considering that she knew many secrets of Spain wherof peraduenture they were ignorant as also that from her innate and inueterate malice to England shee might either in iest or earnest bewray something that might turne and redound to the good of England they all consented she should be aduertised hereof and so admitted which was instantly performed and as the rest of these Royall Princes enuied Spaines ambition and pitied Englands dangers So to speake the truth and no more Queene Mary still resembling herselfe both in her speeches and lookes testified the contrary Vowing that as she loued â—…hilip the II. the Father so she would still honour Philip the III. his Son Thus these three Princes and three Queenes not daring to consult in Heauen on any thing without permission of the Superiour powers they all repayre to the sacred throne of the Lambe of that Great Maker and conductor of Heauen and Earth whose Tribunall is enuironed with more sparkling and burning Sunnes then we see Starres in the Firmament and who is waited and attended on by many millions and Meryades of Angels Where in signe of Gods glory and their humilitie these Royall personages fall on their faces to his blessed feet and so proffer vp their Petition to his heauenly Maiestie to haue authority and place giuen them to Consult on this important businesse betwixt England and Spaine Their Petition read and considered God out of the profunditie of his immense affection and fauour towards the prosperity of England Wherein for the space of well neere One hundred yeares his Sacred Maiestie hath seen himselfe truely serued and glorified ratifies their request and approues and authoriseth their sitting When departing from Gods most sacred Throne they were by a full Quire of Angels with Trumpets and Tymbrels in their hands vshered into the golden Starre-Chamber of Heauen which was purposely prepared for them when taking their seuerall seates the doore shut and guarded by Englands Tutulary Angell with a naked brandished sword in his hand all thinges being hushed vp in silence and all heauenly duties and ceremonies performed these sixe Royall personages begin their Consultation in this manner The Consultation H. 8. BEfore we descend to speake of Spaines ambition and Enuâ—…e towards England or the Match now in question betwixt England and Spaine with the dangers which threaten and presage vs will ensue thereof it will not be impertinent rather necessary that we mount vp the steps of this last century of yeares and so take a cursory though not a curious suruey with what Ambition and Crueltie and Treachery the Kings of Spaine from time to time haue knocked at most Kingdomes and Estates of Europe in the vnfolding and dilating whereof you must not expect much light from me rather I from your selues sith as your yeares so your raignes succeeded me Nauarre E. 6. ANd as you all know my yeares were so few and my raigne so short that neither these nor this made me capable to diue into the affaires of Princes and Kingdomes and yet I must confesse it was both with griefe and pitie
heare that Englands Nauie Royall doth so prosper and flourish In which regard and Consideration the King your Master shall doe well to build store of new Ships in Biscay Ostend and Dunkeâ—…k for if Spaine master England at Sea England can neuer withstand Spaine by Land for now the English are Effeminate and you 〈◊〉 Souldiers I doubt not but by this time there is such order taken in Spaine that the English Fleet at Alicant and Carâ—…agena shall returne home with lesse shame and repentance whereby you may teach them that it is onely proper for Spaniards to Domineere at Sea and that the Sea and Maritine actions are now Spaines no longer Englands Element So whiles England lyes gasping on her bed of Peace and securitie let the King your Master prouide for Warre Continue to sowe Dâ—…uision in the Church of England and rather augment then diminish your Pensions to you know whâ—…m If 〈◊〉 be 〈◊〉 Army to goe out of England either for Bohemia the Paâ—…atinat the Netherlands or Venice deale so effâ—…ctually with King Iâ—…mes that either it be so small as it can 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 great 〈◊〉 to Catholiques or be a mâ—…anes to cause them to staâ—… so long that it bee impossible to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gâ—…od for Protestants I commend 〈◊〉 Excellenâ—…ies poliâ—…y in being sharpe and bitter against those who either Speake Write or 〈◊〉 against the King your 〈◊〉 and his pretencâ—…s for now you 〈◊〉 the Hâ—…nour and feliâ—…itie to see your selfe 〈◊〉 to King 〈◊〉 his Eâ—…re and his Maiestie to your Girdle the 〈◊〉 anâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…f thâ—…se will terrific others Be sure to bee intimately 〈◊〉 with all Factious Discontented Catholikes for they will proue fine Agents and Instruments to execute your Masters Commands I am glad to see King Philip so sleight and dis-respect King Iames as hee hath not this many yeares sent him an Exraordinary Ambassadour especially now for Treating and Concluding this Match for the more you and he Debase the Honour and vnder value the Reputation of England the more you aduance and prise that of Spaine But that which grieues mee most is because GOD himselfe hath opposed and Confirmed the breach and delaceration of the Match but I hope that for the Catholike Kings sake our Holy Father the Pope and our blessed Mother the Church will so interpose their Prayers to his Sacred and Diuine Maiestie that very shortly hee will reuoke and change his Resolution and relish that which hee now distasteth Through your zeale and industry I likewise doubt not but before a few yeares bee past and 〈◊〉 ouer to see England made a Prouince to Spaine her Nobilitie most murthered and the rest caryed away Slaues to worke in the Mines of Peru and Mexico the Pope installed all Heretikes rooted out either with Fire or Halter Let your Excellency proceed as you haue well and happily begun and feare not but you shall enioy your wishes the King your Master his hopes and myselfe and all the Romane Catholikes of England our desires In the meane time I kindly greet and salute your Excellency and bp your next Dispatch for Spaine fayle not to signifie that I kisse the Catholiks Kings hand Written and sent from Heauen Your Excellencies Friend MARY Queene Queene MARY To the Romane Catholikes of England of both Sexes and of all Rankes MY Heart on Earth and my Soule in 〈◊〉 hath euer so deeply affected you and your Religion as to the vtmost of my power I will neuer admit that any aduâ—…rse accident or stratagem what soeuer shall endomage you or preiudice it to which end by Mercury Whom I haue purposely sent vnto you I would not faile to aduertise you of a Consultation which hath beene here held by my Father Henry VIII my Brother Edward VI. my Sister Queene Elizabeth Queene Anne Prince Henry and my Selfe tending to the safety and glory of England to the vnmasking of Spaines pretentious Ambition and Treachery to many Estates of Europe and more especially to the vtter breach of the Match betwixt Prince Charles and the Infanta of Spaine which two last points alone I 〈◊〉 and defended but they all most violently contradicted and opposed In which consultation I write it aswell with Griefe as pittie Couâ—…t Gondomar hath â—…eene narrowly both sifted and censured and all his Actions brought on the Table and made apparant and obuious to the dimmist Eye to the weakest Iudgement and vnderstanding the which I haue now signified his Excellency by a particuler Letter wherein I haue prayed him to haue a more Iealous and curious eye ouer his Secretaries as I know England hath ouer him And to the end your Soules and Consciences may haue Spirituall food and Consolation I wish and exhort you to put all your Wits on the tenter-hooks to bring in the Infanta or else neuer expect the Pope and consequently not the Catholike King For else all your intelligence with Rome and Spaine your correspondence with the Iesuites and Count Gondomar will not preuaile nor your Poyson Poâ—…iard or Powder take effâ—…ct if the Match doe not and because King Iames wants money and his Exchequer drawne drie and exhausted if he stand on a greater summe then the Catholike King can or will giue you shall doe a most acceptable seruice to our Blessed Father the Pope and to our Holy Mother the Church That you Lords and Knights Morgage your Manners and Plate and you Ladies and Gentle-women pâ—…wne your Ringes and Iewells to make vp the expected Summe For the Match once consumâ—…ted you know and Count Gondomar can perfectly teach you a thousand wayes to refetch it with a ioyfâ—…ll and golden Interest I highly 〈◊〉 and applaude your â—…oy when you 〈◊〉 Bohemia won and the Palaâ—…nate assaulted towards which Victories and 〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉 Contributions gaue a great stroke which although Ferdinand for the present cannot recompence yet doubt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phillip shoâ—…tly futâ—…rely will Sitâ—… his Ambassadour Gondomar â—…akes him confident that you are as fast nayled to his Scepter aâ—… his Catholicke 〈◊〉 is to the Popes triple Crowne Bee you still the eyes of Count Gondomar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him still continue your 〈◊〉 for you can neuer desire a better 〈◊〉 then himselfe nor a stronger Protector then the King his Master But in very deed I much feare that this great Parliament will teach the Protestants of England wit and you Romane Catholickes repentance If Holland the Palatioate or Venice be in the Field be you not Idle in your Houses or in England for although Douer bee shut you shall 〈◊〉 Ports enough open for it is for the Progression aâ—…d Aduancement of the 〈◊〉 Cause and for the Seruice of the Great Catholike King and if all things hit well you shall not repent your selues of your Valour Generosiâ—…ie employed and spent in his Seruicâ—… What though God 〈◊〉 here approued of this Consultation against the Match yet his great 〈◊〉 the Pope will confirme the Match against the Consultation Therefore make you your 〈◊〉 with the Pope and doubt not but his Holinesse both can and will at his pleasure make his with his God Howsoeuer bee ruled and beleeue in the Pope who is the Head of the Church For you know out of the Church there is no Saluation I like well that there daily Trauels some of your wisest Gentlemen for Spaine and now you see there is no feare to bring â—…ome Priests and Iesuites for Count Gondomar â—…ath found out the Art and Mysterie to open the Doores of Wisbich the Gatehouse and the Clincke at his pleasure To liue Idle is Effeminâ—…te and 〈◊〉 bee you therefore 〈◊〉 your selues still bâ—…sie and in action for as in matters of Religion and Pietie so in thâ—…se of the State the Pâ—…actique is alwayes more Honourable then the Theorie In a word as long as 〈◊〉 Kings raigne in England your zealous Catholikes shall there finde but little Peace and lesse Ioy and yet I must needâ—… confesse that God seâ—…mes to bâ—…are a particuler affection to King Iames out withall you know the second meanes must bee vsed wâ—…ich I write to my comfort I see his 〈◊〉 neglects So â—…f Gondomar continue in England and the Mâ—…tch dyë not then I hope a little time will worke all things to the best Tâ—…ll when I salute you all and will â—…till pray 〈◊〉 you for the Prosperitie of the Great cause Written and sent from Heauen Queene MARY FINIS
〈◊〉 the Duke of Luynes so discreet and honest to aduise and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thereunto P. H. 〈◊〉 neglect thereof may make one or both of them to repentâ—…t and peraduenture the kingdome too for already the Commons 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Nobilitie would but cannot remedy it Q. M. Spaine loues France therefore France neede not feare Spaine P. H. The Panthers skin is faire yet his friendship is fatall and his breath infections Q. E. Indeed if France loued not Spaine it neede not feare it Q. M. King Philip loues King Lewis dearely Q. A. Not halfe so well as he loues his Kingdome of France Q. E. In truth France hath reason to haue a vigilant eye ore Spain for as long as shee sleepes in her bed of pleasure and securitie perhaps one of these dayes Spaines Ambition may awake her with Drum Trumpet and Cannon P. H. O no not as yet for if the king of Spaine were so ill aduised his Councell is not for they like old experienced Foxes will neuer permit him to discouer himselfe much lesse his Resolutions and least of all his Ambition and Sword vntill the Sunne hath attain'd the Meridian Q. M. I know not what my Nephew meanes by this Mathematicall Riddle Q. E. I was neuer greatly skild in the Mathematickes and yet consuming my Youth Yeares and Cares for England I haue reason to vnderstand his knowledge Wherefore Sister sith hee is a Noble and famous Prince let vs heare him for he hath some mistery to reueale twixt France and Spaine Q. M. He loues France and hates Spaine and which is worse hee was an Heretique therefore his tongue can make no Spherall melody E. 6. But his heresie hath brought him hither to heauen tho and hee is a famous and Noble Prince therefore Cosen Wales speake on of France and Spaine for now wee are all resolued to heare you Q. E. I gaue him my Fathers Name and he inheriteth my resolution and courage and the King his Fathers wisedome therefore he can neither flatter nor dissemble Q. A. Speake on Henry P. H. Know all men by these Presents that if Spaine did see the Heart and Bowels of France weltring in its bloud and flaming in the fire of an intestine Giuill warre if it did see the Princes banded against the King or the King against the Protestants these rifeling of the Lourre and of Paris and his Maiestie besieging of Rochell Sancerre Sedan Nismes or Samury or denouncing warre to all those of that Religion If it did see sixteene Parisian Tribunes carrying away the Court of Parliament prisoners to the Bastille and Chastellets the rebellious Barycadoes and a bloudie Massacre in Paris and generally in all the Cities of the Kingdome if hee did see some Princes of the bloud or two great Dukes as were Du Mayene and Merary Captiuating and Deboshing the obedience and affections of the French Nobilitie Clergie and Commons and couering their pernitious designes and trecherous attempts vnder the cloake of the holy League If it did see Calais Dourlaus Amiens Montdidier Valencienes Blauet and Croyden or other strong Cities or Forts of France bearing out the red ragged Crosse instead of the three yellow Flower Deluces and a second Mendoza for his Ambassadour sate as premier President and Oracle in the Louare Towne-house and Parliament That then Phillip the III. of Spaine loues his Sonne in Law Lewes the thirteene of France so well that hee would vse him as King Phillip the second had an eager desire and had almost done great Henry his Father Q. M. Why how was that P. H. Right as my Godmother Queene Elizabeth hath formerly told you nothing but to depriue him of his Kingdome E. 6. It were better that all the Iesuites were hanged and the young Queene of France sent home to Spaine with her Portion to the King her Father Q. E. But wee see strange alterations in the Court of France for some dare but will not and others would but dare not informe the King hereof Q. A. France hath reason yea it is high time for her to looke to her selfe for the Agents Iesuits and double Pistols of Spaine are busie and their Swords and Pikes are not Idle For whiles France playes the Theorie Spaine playes the Practique Of the Netherlands H. 8. How doth Spaine and the Netherlands â—…gree E. 6. Spaine hath so long inured and enforced the Hollanders to bloud and warres as now at Sea and Land they are become such braue Souldiers and Marriners as they feare not Spaine and to loue Spaniards they vow it is impossible much lesse to obey them Q. M. It is pittie that King Phillip the second ended not the chastising and Conquest of these Heretique Hollanders ere King Phillip the third began it or that hee cannot reduce them to obedience by ending these warres with more fortunacie and lesse danger and dammage Q. E. Nay Sister it is pittie that these two Kings of Spaine and the Archduke Albertus and Isabella haue from time to time beene so ambitious inhumane cruell and reuengefull to drowne the face of the Netherlands with many deluges of bloud in seeking to preserue their libertie liues and Consciences from the cruell Tyrannie and Inquisition of Spaine P. H. Indeed for this forty yeares the Netherlands hath beene the Schoole and Theater of Mars whereon there hath beene more braue souldiers and renowned Captaines flame then in any Country of the world or in many precedent Ages and yet all this bloud is not capable to quench Spaines Ambition and Tyranny in seeking to deuoure those Prouinces Q. A. Hath not Spaine assaulted the Netherlands as well by Trecherie as Hostilitie Q. E. Yes witnesse the damnable Villaine Gerrard who long since murthered William the famous Prince of Orange their Lieutenant Generall and Father to Maurice that valiant and incomparable Captaine who now succeeds him in his Principalitie Q. M. O Sister cast not so base an aspersion on King Phillip my Husband to affirme hee was accessary to the murther of William Prince of Orange much lesse authorised it or commanded it P. H. All the Ocean betweene Holland and Spaine cannot wash off that Murther from your Husband King Phillip for his proscription to murther him beares it and his Lieutenant the Duke of Parma commanded the Count Assonuille to deale with Gerrard about this murther who promised him twentie fiue thousand Crownes to effect it which O griefe to speake it he did E. 6. But his valiant Sonne hath long since had reuenge for the death of his Father Q. A. If he haue not he resolues to haue it H. 8. But hath not Spaine since attempted or broached any other Treason towards the Hollanders P. H. O yes very lately for whilst Spaine is Spaine Holland will neuer forget how neere he was to haue extinguished her libertie and surprized their State by infecting and corrupting their Secretary Barneuelt a man of so profound wit and deepe iudgement and experience in matters of State as he was not onely
the Oracle of the Netherlands but the Ornament and wonder of Europe yeâ—… of his time Q. E. See the fruites of Spaines Gold and the effects of his boundlesse Ambition for it is a common custome with him if not by the maine yet surely by the bye to breake the necke of Great Princes and free Estates publique Ministers whether they are great Souldiers or great Statesmen or both Q. A. Yea the Web of this Treason was so cunningly wouen and so subtilly and finely spun as if the Netherlands had not broken Barneâ—…elts necke he long ere this had assuredly broken the necke both of their libertie and State Q. M. Well Barnauelt is gone and now Spaine needs not feare his policy P. H. Nay Barneuelt being dead and Maurice that famous Prince of Orenge liuing Holland need not feare either the trechetie or force of Spaine H. 8. But Nephew I heare that the Vnited Prouinces of the Low-Countries will this Spring haue Warres with Spaine for their peace is neere expired and ended P. H. A braue noble and wise resolution of theirs E. 6. Heretofore England taught the Hollanders wit and valour and now they resolue to shew England the way to those two Vertues Q. M. But the Gold and Siluer of Spaine wâ—…ll preuaile against them and weigh them downe P. H. But the Hollanders had Ships enough of their owne and Gold Siluer and Men from England therefore they disdaine to feare Spaine nay rather they vow before the next Summer to make Spaine feare them H. 8. See see a handfull of men dare attempt that against Spaine which Great Brittaines huge infinitie will not Q. E. And yet their cause and reason is Englands viz. their Consciences Liues and Countries Q. A. Pray God England and France interpose not to crosse the Warres and seeke to conclude a Peace betwixt Holland and Spaine E. 6. But the Hollanders are resolued to make King Iames a large Offer to protect them against Spaine Q. M. But King Iames loues Spaine too well and therefore will not hearken to or regard their proffer for his Maiestie is resolued not to protect them P. H. The more is the pitty Q. E. The more my griefe Q. M. And without griefe or pitty the more is my ioy Q. E. I protected the Netherlands in despight of Spaine E. 6. But Spaine went neere by your Leicester to betray both you and them H. 8. If King Iames would now protect the Netherlanders how easily might he refetch backe Flushing the Brill and the 〈◊〉 E. 6. Nay how easily did his Maiestie depart with them to the Netherlands P. H. It infinitely reioyceth me to vnderstand the Hollanders braue resolution and forwardnesse to haue warres with Spaine Q. M. But there is a secret tricke to coole their courages which they least thinke of H. 8. As how Daughter Q. M. Why to Pistoll this Prince of Orenge as they did his Fatâ—…er Q. E. Heauen forbid it P. H. God defend it Q. M. Why 't is but one for another for he knowing Barnauelt a Traytor to his Countrâ—…y because a Pensioner to Spaine caused the Lords States to put him to death why then in exchange and requitall should not a Pensioner of Spaine either poison or pistoll the Prince of Orange E. 6. These Diabolicall resolutions and bloudy Positions come from Hell Q. E. And thither they goe that professe and practise them Q. M. The King of Spaine is too religious to authorise so execrable a Murther Q. E. But the Pope as holy as he is will pardon it and yet the World I hope knowes that the Kâ—…of Spaine cannot be so religious as his Holinesse Q. A. It were good then for Holland to be carefull of their Prince of Orange his life as all the world knowes his Excellency is of their safetie and preseruations P. H. And it will likhwise behooue them to obserue withall as I hope they doe how subtilly and trecherously Spinola takes their neighbour Townes for the Emperour and keepes them for the King of Spaine his Master E. 6. And if the Warres goe on 'twixt Holland and Spaine as I hope they will it will be needfull for Spaine to haue a speciall care of his West-Indies from the Holland Fleetes H. 8. Wherefore only Spaines West-Indies or rather why not all the worlds West-Indies sith their red and white earth sets all the Would on fire and in Combustion Q. â—… Surely ere this Summer passe and the next appeare the Hollanders vow to haue a heaue at them Q. M. Nay I hope the contrary for the West-Indies is the maine and onely prop of Spaine which if once found out and taken away from them will quickly make the greatnesse of his Ambition and Empire totter P. H. Till when all other Kingdomes and Estates of Christendome may thinke themselues exempt from Spaines feare but shall neuer be from his danger Q. E. This Holland perfectly and apparantly knowes and it were a greater happinesse for the rest of Europe if they would herein imitate their Generositie Valour and Wisedome who stand on their Guards with their swords drawne and their Match lighted ready to giue fire as being constantly and vertuously resolued neither to loue trust nor feare Spaine ENGLAND H. 8. But now leaue we all other Countries and come wee to England from whence being descended wee by the Lawes of Nature are eternally obliged to honour and loue it yea to preferre it and its prosperitie and glory to all other Countries of the world wherefore let vs see Spaines Ambition and Enuy towards it and how he hath from time to time borne himselfe to the English Q. M. There is no Kingdome in the world that Spaine loues better then England Q. E. Nor no people vnder the Sunne that it hates more then Englishmen E. 6. For Peter King of Castille most ingratefully and basely abused our famous and generous Edward the Blacke Prince the Ornament of Armes the Glory of England and the Honour of the World and his whole Army in Spaine after that he had inthronised and seated the said Peter in his Kingdome and with his Victorious Armes expel'd Henry the Bastard who Vsurped it Q. M. If Spaine had not loued England and Englishmen King Philip would neuer haue married mee Q. E. Hee loued you well Sister but your Kingdome farre better for you were the Obiect of his zeale but England that of his Ambition H. 8. But Elizabeth hee hated you more then euer he loued Mary Q. E. And yet I dare truly affirme that King Philip loued my Kingdome farre more then euer he hated my Perâ—…on H. 8. To speake truth Daughter he neither loued you nor Mary his wife and Queene but only England P. H. And I haue heard that if he had neuer married my Aunt Mary shee had neuer lost Calais nor consequently England France E. 6. Though that Match were vnfortunate to England in the losse of Calais yet it was fortunate in that Philip and Mary had no Children Q.
M. If we had had any Males England had beene long since a Prouince to Spaine Q. E. God knew so much and therefore preuented it wherein I qle◅se his Mercy and prouidence as also your sterrilitie P. H. Aunt and I your resolution in speaking it Q. M. The Kings of Spnine are the greatest ◅nd most potent Kings of the World Q. E. Yea in Ambition and ostentation but not in power for I proued it not so I found it not so I left it not so P. H. You Madame found Warre with Spaine surer and safer then Peace Q. E. Yea farre more safer and farre more profitable too for England Q. A. Then I wonder that King Iames my Husband so delights and drownes himselfe in his peace with Spaine Q. M. O but Spaine findes both policy and reason enough to full King Iames a sleepe in the Cradle of Peace and Security Q E. I neuer feared Spaine lesse then when I loued it not no◅ more then when it made greatest shew to loue me P. H. And the King my Father neuer loued it more then now when he feares it E. 6. But is it possible King Iames feares Spaine P. H. It seemes so for else he would neuer loue it so excessiuely Q. E. Sir Nicholas Bacon my Chancellor on his Death-bed wrote me a Letter that the Glory and Conseruation of England consisted in holding Spaine at Rapiers point and will not his sonne Sir Francis the now Chancellor tell his Maister so much P. H. O no he is otherwise imployed H. 8. But tell mee Daughter was Spaine euer treacherous to your Person Q. E. Almost euery yeare Spaine hatched mee a new Treason witnesse Parry Babbington Williams Yeorke Lopez and infinite others who sought to lay violent hands on my Person and Life but that God in his infinite mercy and prouidence still protected and defended me to their owne confusion P. H. But King Phillip 2. chiefely discouered his loue to England in the treacherous attempt of his huge Armado of 88. tearmed by the Pope in a brauery The Inuincible Fleete at what time his ambition and greedy desire of Vsurpation so farre ore-swayed him and his Councell as he thought to haue made an absolute Conquest of England but hee was deceiued of his hopes for God looked on England with his indulgent eye of pitty and compassion and on that great and mightie Nauall Army with contempt and detestation Q E. Yea God was so gracious to England and so mercifull to mee as not only my Ships and People but the Windes and Waues fought for my defence and that of my Countrey against the pride and malice of Spaine who grew mad with anger and pale with griefe to see this his great and warlike Armado beaten foyled and confounded in the midst of their glory and ambition E. 6 But Sister was this all Spaines malice and trechery towards You and your State Q. E. No no for I had forgotten how before that his Maiestie in Spaine and his Lieutenant the Duke of Alua in Flanders embarg'd and confisk'd a world of Goods and Ships that belonged to my Subiects contrary to all Lawes of Conscience and Nations P. H. And no other Q. E. Yes King Phillip beg'd my Kīngdome of Ireland of the Pope and so assisted the Rebels and made a confederacy with them for ◅he Conquest thereof from me bringing in first Stukeley then Don Iuan of Aquila into that Kingdome to the same effect But Heauen alwayes laught at their ambition vsurpation and trecherie which still proued as vaine as impious and vniust P. H. And yet see the iustice of the Cause and the equitie of your Armes for Essex landed at Calez and in despight of Spaine tooke and rifled it beating and sinking their best and greatest Ships in a manner without any shew of defence or resistance Q. M. O but now the times are altered and changed for then Spaine was poore and England rich and now England is poore and Spaine rich Likewise Spaines warres parsimonie and frugalitie makes his Men Souldiers and our Peace Pride and superfluitie hath made our Souldiers either Courtiers or Cowards H. 8. France knew that I found Souldiers in England when I tooke Tourney and Bouloigne Q. E. And Spaine felt that English were Souldiers when my Drake beat them on my Seas and Coast in 88. my Norris at Croyden in 94. my Essex at Calais in 96. and my Montioy at Kingsale in 1600. Q. M. But when England was delighted in Combats Warres and Victories and now in Stage-playes Maskes Reuels and Carowsing so as their courages are become as rustie as their Swords and Muskets which serue to grace the walls and not the fields except in poore Musters and sleight Trainings and that but once a yeare which vpon the whole is more for ostentation then Seruice Moreouer then Englands Nauy-Royall could giue a Law to the Ocean and now time and negligence hath almost made all these ships vnseruiceable who lye rotting at Chatam and Rocesther E. 6. Here Queene Mary hath reason for now she is in the truth Q. E. What Sister and Brother my Royall-Nauy lye r◅tting who are the Bulwarkes and Walles of England and when I left them were capable to beate the power and pride of Spaine to shiuers O this grieues me but I beleeue not that my wife and prudent Successour King Iames will suffer or permit it I pray God-son and Nephew Prince Henry resolue me hereof P. H. Indeed Madam I confesse I haue seene so much my selfe when God knowes I grieued to see it neither did I faile to put the King my Father often in remembrance thereof and his Maiestie still promised me to new build and repaire that Royall Fleete to which number I added my Prince-Royall a ship who had she many fellowes England needed not feare all the Fleetes of the World but although the old Lord Admirall hath not beene carefull for the preseruation of the Nauy yet the new one is H. 8. If he be not I grieue for the Fleet. Q E. And I lament it E. 6. And I pittie it Q. A. And I bewaile it Q M. And not to dissemble both Gondomar King Phillip his Master the Pope my selfe and all the Romane Catholiques of England reioyce hereat for the Impotency and destruction of this Royall Nauy is the Harbinger to prepare the way and a step for King Phillip to mount the Throne of Estate to plucke off King Iames his Crowne and to place and ◅ettle it on his owne head Q. E. O my Ships my Ships God knowes they were still deare to me because still necessary to England Where is my Drake where my Cumberland my For bisher my Grinuille my Cau◅dish my Haukins my Rauliegh and the rest Alas they want me and king Iames and Englnad wants them for when they liued and I raigned our valour could stop the progression of Spaine yea my ships domineerd in his Seas and ports and their Clouds of smoke and fire with their Peales of thunder
strueke such such amazment to the harts and terrour to the courages of Castille and her faint-hearted Castillians that euery Spanish Bird kept his owne Nest not powerfull enough to defend themselues much lesse to offend any and lest of all England who was then â—…n her Triumphes in her lustre in her glory P H. Grieue no more deare Aunt for the Nauy Royall of England for although Nottingam were remisse and carelesse herein yet braue Buckingham hath of late yeares set a new face on that Fleet and makes it not onely his delight but his glory to re-edifie and reforme them yea there is not a yeare passes him but hee brings some new forth from their Dockes and puts in other old although Cranfield resembling himselfe bites his lips at the charge thereof because he affirmes he hath other occasions to disburse and pay away the Kings Treasure Q. E. Nephew Wales I am glad to heare that Buckingham is so carefull of England Fleet-Royall and in very deed his Ambition Care and Zeale herein will infallibly purchase him much loue and honour of the whole Kingdome especially if he continue it H 8. Me thinks Scotland annexed and vnited to England should make it farre the stronger Q. E. But how can King Iames say England and Scotland is strong when he feares the powers of Spaine and will not know or beleeue his owne E. 6. Yea it were much honour to the King and happinesse to his Kingdomes and Subiects if in any poynt knowing the weakenesse thereof he would fortifie and reforme it Q. A. And it were a great happinesse for most Kingdomes and free Estates of Europe if they would follow the examples of the Venetians and Hollenders who will neither trust nor loue much lesse feare Spaine P. H. And among the rest if England would follow it they should drawe securitie out of danger whereas now her apparant danger is drawne and deriued from her apparant security Q. A. O that the King my Husband would thinke hereof P. H. O that the King my Father would make vse hereof Q. E. O that King Iames my Heire and Successour would not hearken or beleeue the contrary hereof H. 8. But this were the way to haue warres with Spaine and King Iames I vnderstand is resolued to liue and dye in peace with them Q. M. Warre cannot be bought at a cheape rate Q. E. But it is pitty that peace should be bought at too deare and dishonourable a rate P. H. I haue alwayes beene enformed that England still gets by her warres with Spaine Q. E. I got by my warres with Spaine and Spaine lost by it P. H. My Father and his Subiects lose by his Peace with Spaine and Spaine gets by it Q. M. When England hath lost her selfe she can lose no more Q. E. But Sister your death was the death of the Popes hopes and of Spaines pretences to England P. H. But they both seeme to reuiue and bud forth a fresh if the Match betweene my noble Brother P. Charles and the Infanta of Spaine take effect Q. A. May Heauen deny the first and the King your Father neuer consent to the second Q. E. So shall Spaine euer feare England but neuer England Spaine Q. M. But I hope the contrary for in these dayes the King of Spaines Gold and his Ambassadour Count Gondomar act wonders in England H. 8. Hath Gondomar propounded this Match to King Iames P. H. O long since and hee hath vowed to weare out his red leather Coach and greene Buckram Litter but he will see an end of it this Parliament Q. A. I thought indeede it was not for nothing that he makes Aesops Fables his daily pocket guest E. 6. How doth King Iames relish this Match Q. M. His Exchequer is poore and King Philips Indies rich and therfore his Maiestie likes it so well as he will hearken to no other H. 8. How doth Prince Charles himselfe like this motion P. H. I know not how my Brother likes it but for my part I should euer haue preferred a Daughter of Francâ—… to that of Spaine and I hope the Match will not succeede because my noble Brother Prince Charles is wise valiant and generous E. 6. But how doth the braue and graue Parliament sauour this Spanish Match Q A. Fewe loue it most feare it But as the Match so the Parliament is not yet ended Q. E. This would be musicke indeede for the Romane Catholiques of England if it should take effect for the very first newes thereof made them flap their wings as if they were ready to crowe Q. M. Yea for they hope and which is more they know that if it proue a Match That the Infanta will soone introduce the Masse and Vsher in the Pope therefore they haue reason to reioyce at it P. H. But if the King of Spaine will not giue the summe which my Father King Iames demaunds will not they make it vp Q E. It is probable and credible That their Holy Father the Pope and themselues will stretch both their Purses and Credites to knit the Match H. 8. Why hath Gondomnr such power with King Iames to hope to see this Match effected Q. M. O yes for his Maiestie saith that his Master is an honest King and hee a wise Seruant The first all the world knowes and the second I hope England shall shortly feele at least if all hookes take P. H. Indeed if Gondomar can effect this match it is the direct way for him to be a Grande of Spaine and to procure a red Hat for his Sonne or Nephew Q. A. Was the Duke of Monteleone so rewarded for his French Matches Q. M. Hee is already a Grande of Spaine and hath the promise of a Hat Q. A. Why then Count Gondomar need not feare for hee hath as much policie as the Duke of Monteleone though not so much ostâ—…ntation H. 8. Who made and concluded the match with King Philip Q. M. My Selfe and the Parliament Q. E. Nay Sister put in Woolsey and Gardyner and leaue out the Parliament for you onely proposed it them but for forme and had secretly concluded it before hand your selfe Q. M. Suppose I did I might doe it of mine owne authority and prerogatiue Royall Q. E. But you offered no faire play to the Parliament though in asking their aduise when the Contracts were ready to be sealed Q. M. But I had reason to follow mine owne Iudgement not their Passions H. 8. Nay nay Daughter you contrariwise followed your owne passion not their Iudgements and so God gaue limits to Philips Ambition and your owne desires by making you â—…orsake Earth and he Engâ—…and E. 6. But wise King Iames is opposite to my Sister Mary as well in Religion as sexe and therefore I hope nay I assure my selfe he will first consult this Match with his Parliament ere he conclude it with Spaine P. H. If the voycâ—… of the Parliament be free and not enforced I make no doubt but the
Pope the King of Spaine Gondâ—…mar and all our Recusants will come short of their hopes for the Match H. 8. Daughter what benefits proposed you to the Parliament by your Match with Spaine Q. M. Strength Profit Honour which England King Iames and Prince Charles will likewise now finde if the Match hold E. 6. As for strength if England would know its selfe it neede not expect or hope for any from Spaine for Spaines assistance hath alwayes proued fatall and ruinous to those who haue vsed it And if England would assume the ancient generosity of her Ancestors and forsake her new fangled pride and prodigality Wee know it is strong enough to beat Spaine and all his Kingdomes and Prouinces and no way so weake to feare that Spaine should make England a Prouince for it were farre safer for England and Englishmen if they wore worse cloathes and had better hearts and swords and if they were more martiall and lesse effeminate Q. E. For Profit what Indies is richer then England for if England want money herselfe is still more powerfull and capable to inrich it selfe if it would be lesse vaine and more frugall and industrious c. what is a few hundred thousand Pounds to England if England be thereby exposed to the danger of Spaine or that it bâ—… againe fetcht from them by the Bye as it was brought in by the Maine for was profit euer cheape when it was bought with losse and repentance with teares and blood or shall not euery Ducket be weighed and counterpoised downe with a farre greater preiudice and inconueniency for if the Match hold will not our Recusants looke a looâ—…e will not Spaniards bee so ambitiously insolent to attempt to out-looke English will not the Pope steale in by degrees and the King of Spaine breake in either like a torrent or a thunderbolt when his factors and agents haue made all things ripe and in a readinesse will this be Englands profit P. H. For Honour England and Scotland were Free Royall and ancient Monarchies when indeed Spaine was not Spaine but disioynted and disseuered Prouinces yea for Pompe State and Glory our Princes were Kings when their Kings were scarce Princes nor their Princes Nobles Therefore GREAT BRITTAINE by the Match can conferre and adde honour to Spaine but not Spaine to GREAT BRITTAINE Q. A. I could neuer yet affect the match of Spaine for either of the two Princes my Sonnes for the Spaniard is by nature as trecherous as proud and although Northampton perswaded me thereto yet I loued true-hearted Salisbury who alwayes diuerted me from it as in the depth of his Allegiance and the profunditie of his wisdome and Iudgement well fore-seeing they would proue â—…atall and ruinous to England E. 6. It is strange to see with what insatiable desire and Ambition Spaine couets England for hee hath already attempted it by trechery by force and now by the Match of his Daughter the Infanta to Prince Charles Q. M. You meane King Philip the 2. and not this present King Philip the third And as Don Iuan de Taris the Ambassadour of Spaine told King Iames at his first comming to the Crowne of England that the Ambition and malice of Spaine to England dyed with that Prince and was interred and buryed with him Q. E. But was this King Philip the third and his Councell neuer acquainted with that horrible Gunpowder Treason whereby it was intended and resolued that England should haue beene blowne vp ouerthrowne and ruined in a moment Q. M. O no he is too Catholique a King to haue hearkened much lesse to haue approued that Passionate plot Q. E. You might haue said that execrable and damnable plot of Treason but that you will seeke to diminish and extenuate Rome and Spaines Treasons Q. M. You infinitely wrong the Pope and King of Spaine to suspect much lesse to beleeue that they were acquainted with that Powder plot Q. E. No went not Faulkes that hellish Incendary once to Rome about it and the younger Winter twice to Vallidolide Q. M. Yea about some other businesse it may be although I must confesse it was very immediatly before that Treason was discouered P. H. Gondomar told me that both the Pope and King of Spaine abhord that Treason Q. A. I feare they abhord it for griefe it tooke not effect Q. M. If euer this King Philip hated England yee may be sure now he loues it for else he would neuer seeke to match his Daughter to it Q. E. What force and treachery cannot effect now affection in the match shall Wherein King Philip is of Lysanders minde who when the Lyons skinne will not serue he will sowe on a peece of the Foxes tayle E. 6. So he come into England he cares not by which way he ariue P. H. So the Daughter come not into England England neede not feare the comming of the Father Q. M. Count Gondomar will beate his head and his horse shoes but he will bring in the Daughter and already his hopes and the probabilities are great for he is exceeding great and familiar with King IAMES Q. E. Else he could neuer haue gotten open the Prison dores for the Romane Priests and Iesuites P. H. Nor haue made Raleighs head to caper beyond his body Q. A. Nor haue kept back an Army from my Sonne and Daughter the King and Queene of Bohemia when so many hundred thousand valiant English Souldiers desired and longed to haue serued them in their warres Q. E. Nor haue shipt away so great a quantitie of Ordnance for Spaine which one of these dayes will returne bullets to our hearts E. 6. Nor haue procured a gallant Fleete to secure the Coast of Spaine against the Turkish Pyrates vndeer coulour of going to Argier and Barbary P. H. That Fleete was fitter to haue gone to Mexico Q. A. So indeed it might haue returned with glory and Gold whereas now I feare it will with losse and repentance I will not say with shame Q. E. I know by Experience it is an excellent thing for England to fight with Spaniards but not to ioyne with Spaniards against others P. H. Why should not our English Fleetes goe for the West Indies Q M. If this proposition be broached then Gandomar will run madde E 6. What difference is there betwixt the East and West Indies P. H. As much as there is betweene Pepper and Siluer or white Feathers and yellow Gold H. 8. O but England neere this twenty yeares hath lost those golden times of going to the Gardens of Hesperides P. H. And now Holland after ten yeares tryall and patience resolues to finde them Q. E. Now we speake of Holland It againe exceedingly grieues me that England goes from Holland in that it will not protect it against Spaine Q. M. And truely it is my ioy and comfort to vnderstand it for the farther England goes from Holland I am sure the neerer Spaine comes to England P. H. Nay if the Match hold Holland can expect
no assistance from England for the Pope the King of Spaine Gondomar the Iesuites and English Recusants will in few yeares so shuffle and deale the cards as England shall not bee able to assist herselfe much lesse her Neighbours E. 6. Why that is the way in a few more yeares to make England a Prouince to Spaine Q. E. Yea yea there is the mysterie for if the match with Spaine hold the conquest of England will vndoubtedly follow then Gondomar can be no lesse then Vice-roy or great Commander of England for the King and Councell of Spaine will iudge him worthy of this honour because he hath deserued it P. H. It were better Spaine were Hell and Gondomar Vice-roy to the Diuell as he is now Ambassadour to the Catholicke King Q. A. But is it possible that the King of Spaine hath so little Iustice and charity and so much vanitie and ambition to desire it E. 6. The Kings of Spaine make this the tenth Article of their Creed that the Rules of Empire and State ought to giue Lawes but not to receiue any Q. E. But this is contrary to the Lawes of the KING of Kings Q. M. But in the Counsell of Spaine the Rules of State are alwaies too sublime and powerfull for those of Religion yea the Pope will easily dispence with the King of Spaine to make a Conquest of England either by treachery hostilitie or the match for it is against an Heriticke King and people who refuse to enter into the bosome of the Church and therefore lawfull in it selfe because it tends to the Catholique cause the displanting and rooting out of Heretikes and the establishing and presâ—…uation of the Romane Catholikes in England Q. E. Those giddy and passionate Romane Catholiques of England who disire to fish in troubled waters who delight in nothing but in innouation and nouelty and who make a May-game of Conscience and an Ape of Religion may peraduenture flatter themselues with the false sunne-shine of these hopes but those of them whose hearts are better lodged and whose eyes and iudgements can see farther and clearer Those I say who know by the Lawes of Grcae and Nature what they owe to GOD to their lawfull Prince and Country those remember that the Duke of Medina Sydonta said in eighty eight who was then Generall of the Spanish Fleete that his Commission was not to distinguish of Religion but to make a passage with his Sword ore both Religions without exception that thereby the King his Master might haue the easier way and fairer passage to the Crowne and Kingdome of England Therefore wee neede no perspectiue Glasse or Spectacles to see that it is not the establishing of the Romane Religion but of himselfe in England whereat the King of Spaine still aymes Q. M. 〈◊〉 Count Gondomar is wise enough to prouide a playster for that sore for hee in netling the Nobler sort of Catholiques with the match hath in plaine tearmes giuen the lye to the Duke of Medina his speech and therefore he hopes they will beleeue him P. H. The nobler and more passionate and factious sort of them may beleeue Gondomnr herein but the wiser temporate and conscious will not and yet the Feminine Gender are Masculine sticklers and solicitors for him as hee and the Iesuites are for the King his Master Q. E. Nay the Romane Catholikes of England haue reason to beleeue Gondomar sith King IAMES loues him well as hee esteemes his speeches Oracles and Scripture and who with the quintessence of his Castillian or rather Galician braine hath now brought matters to this passe that no sincere aduise honest Letter Religious Sermon or true picture can point at the King of Spaine but they are called in and their Authors imprisoned in sted of rewarded though neuer so honest and loyall Subiects H. 8. But me thinkes that this is no subtill policie of Gondamar for the more he striues to suppresse the truth the more it will flourish and preuaile For for the good of England if one penne or tongue bee commaunded to silence they will occasion and set tenne at libertie to write and speake as Grasse or Cammomell which the more it is depressed the thicker it will spread and grow Q. M. But hath not Gondomar reason to strike whiles he findes the Iron hot and to take the benefit of the floud before the ebbe come or the tide be spent Q. A. Indeed they say hee reports that this Summer time the ayre of London and Islington is not sweete enough either for his Fistula or perfumed braine and that hee hath thereforefore gotten leaue of his Maiestie to lodge in a part of his Pallace of Greenwich which stands in so pure an Ayre vpon the pleasant Christall Riuer of Thames Q. E. That were a presumptuous part of Gondomar indeed to aspire to lodge in that pleasant and Royall Pallace of Greenwich Q M. But if it bee so I thinke it is not to lodge there himselfe but onely to square out the Infanta's Lodgings her Chamber of Presence and a Plot to build her Grace a Chappell against shee come whereof Iones Sir Innigo hath already the Modell in his braines P. H. If King IAMES my Father lodge Gondomar this Summer in Greenwich the next King Philip himselfe will hope to lye in White-Hall E 6. Nay soft first let his Daughter the Infanta come for shee must breake the Ice ere his Catholique Maiestie will dare aduenture to come passe the Seas hither Q. M. Aduenture to come why wherefore else saith Count Gondomar lyes King IAMES his Fleete at Alciant and Carthagena but to transport her for England this Summer Q. E. Vntill I am enforced to vnderstand that that Fleete is at Lisbone the Groyne or Saint Andera I will not beleeue it but then I will feare it Q. M. So the Heretike Protestants of France feared their Spanish matches and yet we see they prosper Q. A. It is the end which crownes the beginning not the beginning the end of a worke Q. E. What speake you Sister of the French matches with Spainâ—… to this of England and Spaine for all the World knowes that the Estates of England and France are Diametrically opposite in point of Religion for France hath fortie Papists for one Protestant and England fortie Prot-stants for one Papist Q. M. But those Protesting Heretikes of England will sing another tune when they see the King of Spaine hath made their Countrey his Prouince P. H. Heauen forbid that euer England should sing the tune of Spaines Ballad or Spaine liue so long to make England see that dismall and bloudy day Q. E It were farre better that Prince CHARLES were married to an English Milke-maid and the Infanta of Spaine mewed vp for a Nunne in a Cloyster Q A. Yea for how can my Sonne Prince CHARLES thinke the King of Spaine loues him when he sees that vnder-hand he is a mortall and professed Enemy to his Brother and Sister the King and Queene of
Bohemia Q. M. You mistake Madame for it is the Emperour Ferdinand and not King Philip that is their mortall Enemy P. H. If Philip had not vnder-hand powerfully assisted Ferdinand His Imperiall Maiestie had neither had legs to goe nor wings to flie into Prague and yet the King my Father will not asist his Son in Law King Frederick Q. A. Yes to recouer the Pallatinate if that were lost But Gondamâ—…r through his slye crouches and sugred insinuations hath extorred a hope and some say wrested a promise from King IAMES not to assist Bohemia but I hope the contrary Q. E. But will Spinola restore those townes he hath taken in the Pallatinate Q. M. Gondomar promised that Digby shall bring that home vnder his hand and seale onely he sayes t is fit that Spinola should be satisfied for his charges Q. E. That 's an old baffle and tricke of Spaine which vpon the matter will proue but a flat denyall Therefore if King IAMES please to hearken to my advise I would send an Army thither and re-fetch these Townes of the Pallatinate from Ferdinand Phillip Albertus and Bauariâ—… with the point of the sword in despight of Spinola Tilly and Cordoâ—…a P. H. If I were againe liuing in England I would so worke with the King my Father that this resolution of Queene Elizabeth should neuer dye but spedily bee put in execution for it is the safest cheapest shortest and honourablest way for England yea what would not England doe for my deare and Royall Sister of Bohemia if the King my Father would giue it the word of command Q. M. But content your selfe Nephew Count Gondomar hath promised that his Master King Phillip will giue King Iames content for his Townes of the Pallatinate Q. A. So Gondomar promised his Maiesty that Spinola should neuer attempt the Pallatinate and yet we see the contrary and being false in this how or what reason haue we to beleeue him to bee true in the match Q. M. England must beleeue him sith the King doth and will And herein I both triumph and glory P. H. Thus my Royall Father intreates where he should command and loues Spaine where he hath farre more reason to hate it Q. E And this is my truest griefe and deepest affliction that King Iames will still delight in contemplation when if his Maiesty will not all the world sees that King Phillip is vnder-hand deepe in actioÌ„ H. 8. It may be that King Iames thinkes King Phillip to be of Hanniballs minde who more feared Fabius not fighting then Marcellus fighting or of Pompeâ—… or of Marcus Crassus their opinion who were more afraid of Câ—…cero's gowne then of Caesars sword Q. M. Nothing lesse for King Phillip loues King Iames his Gowne and pen yet no way feares his sword Q. E. But if King Iames inherited my resolution as he doth my Kingdomes I would make Spaine feare his sword and Rome either loue or obey his pen and neuer consent to a Peace much lesse to the match Q. M. But why should King Philip feare King Iames his sword sith he neuer yet knew the way to drawe ir or why should his Catholike Maiesty feare the Counsell of England sith it is apparant to all the world that the eliment and delight of their King is bookes not battailes the pen not the pike H. 8. Why know you not Daughter that King IAMES hath lately established a Counsell of Warre and whereunto think you tends that Q. M. To peace I hope or rather assure my selfe Q. E. Then Sister you are of neere intelligence with Gondomar for not long since in one of his dispatches to Spaine he wrote the LL. of that Councell that they should not doubt nor feare of the Counsell or warre of England for it was said he but a scarre-Crow to feare not to hurt and would onely serue as a Vane on a house top rather for ornament then vse But if King IAMES were of my minde his Counsell of warre should strike rather then threaten and send a Royall Army into the bowels and heart of Castille ere they thought it could be ready to depart from the Ports of England Q. M. Not into Castille for then the peace were quite broken betwixt ENGLAND and SPAINE P. H. Why then into Bohemia the Pallatinate The Netherlands or the States of Uenice or wheresoeuer the Castillians Regiments disturbe the publique peace of Christendome E. 6. I see no reason to the contrary but England should be as soone in Armes and action as Spaine Q. E. But it is the inchanting melody of the match that brings England out of tune Q. M. But in this proposition and parlee of the match the King and Counsell of Spaine speake faire termes and giue reall not verball content to King Iames. Q. E. So did Philip your Husband and his Father by his Embassadours to mine at Bourbourg thereby to â—…ulle me a sleepe when his great Armado was in a manner ready to weigh Anchor and set Sayle from Lisbone to inuade me and my England Q. M. But King â—…Iames knowes Spaines affection and Gondomars sincerity to him and consequently to England in seeking this Match Q. A. But England knowes neither the affection of the Maister or the sincerity of the Seruant and therefore hath reason though not to feare yet to suspect both H. 8. It rather thinkes King Philip of Pericles his opinion and Ambition who desired that the â—…land in the port of Piree mought be remoued sith it was a moate and beame in his eye P. H. The morall is that Philip would 〈◊〉 England a prouince to Spaine but if the Match hold not Spaines Ambition Gondomars policie and both their treacherie will proue too weeke to performe so strong an execution Q M. Then the King of Spaine will hate Gondomar as much as he vaunts the King of England loues him But I must count Gondomar hath liued too long to dote or be made a Child in his old age P. H. No no Gondomar is too young to dotâ—… and too old to be a child therefore he is confident and sure that the Match will hold but withall he saieth the Parliament must be ended ere these Royall Nuptiall cerimonies can begin and I thinke so to E. 6. Indeed this Castillian Embassadour now sailes before winde and tide vnder fore sayle and maine top-sayle but very shortly he hopes to hoyst vp top and top-gallant P. H. He may chance to packe on so much sayle that he may at last crack the maine Mast of his policy or the maine stay of his hopes or be so busie and violent in the solicitation of this Match as he himselfe may giue himselfe a Shotte which may sinke either his reputation or iudgement or both betwixt winde and water Q. E. Intruth I found his predicessour Mendoza too busie and dangerous in my State and therefore I forbad him my presence and discharded him my Kingdom whereat I know not whether he or the King his Master more grieued
or my Counsell and my Countrey reioyced Q. A. Gondomar hath had time enough to know my Husband King Ianes but it seemes King Iames hath not yet enough deeply pryed into Gondomar In a word I know his Maiesty hath heard his tongue but not seene his hart much lesse the designes and resolutions of the King and Counsell of Spaine which are inuelloped and hood-winked vnder the Mysterie of this match H. 8. Indeed I haue read that King Phillip King of Macedon went neere to haue betrayed Arisbes King of Molesses of his Kingdome vnder treating a Match with him Q. M. O but that Phillip of Macedon was a Heathen King and this Phillip of Spaine is the Catholike King therefore King Iames need not feare his sinceritie in the Match Q. E. Sith you are so religious Sister pray say how doth the Inquision of Spaine like to Match their Infanta to an Heretique Prince for so I know they terme my Noble Nephew Prince Charles P. H. Why Digby could haue resolued you of that long since for he knowes that the sacred and reuerend Inquisition of Spaine loue England but not the match our Countrie but not our Religion and people and yet in hope to roote out Heretikes and to plant England with Romane Catholiques they oppose not the Match but rather giue way to it and approue it Q. E. But can Royall King Iames and his Illustrious Sonne Prince Charles obserue their Religion and Conscience in consenting to this Matcb or haue the Clergie of England warrant enough Authenticall out of the word of God to say Amen to it Q. A. O no for King Iames though not the Prince and Clergie will now make Religion and Conscience Handmaydes to wait and attend the State E. 6. But his Maiesty should doe farre better to defend the Faith whereof he is the defender and therein the State which professeth the true and sincere Religion of Christ and his Apostles sith Plety is the preseruer of Kingdomes and all our actions whatsoeuer should tend to the glory of God which is the banishing of Idolatry and Superstition with their effects and causes Q. M. Why pray what Marriage so religious as for Prince Charles to match with the Catholique King his Daughter Q. E. Sister you haue still Religion in your tongue but I feare we shall finde none in your heart for pray what places haue you of diuine Scripture to authorize and approue this Match of Prince Charles with the Infanta sith they are of a different Religion and Beliefe Q. M. As I confesse I haue none to approue it so I am sure you all cannot alleadge any one to oppose and contradict it H. 8. Yes I produce Gen. Ch. 24. Ch 16. against it E 6. And I Exod. Ch. 34. Iudg. Ch. 17. Q. E. And I Iosh. Ch. 23. 2. Chron. Ch. 21. P. H. And I 1. Kings Ch. 11. Chap. 16. Q. A. And I Ezra Ch. 9. Nehem. Ch. 13. Q. M. Well whatsoeuer you say this Match notwithstanding tends to Gods glory and the good of the Catholique and Apostolique Church and in the end you shall finde that Gondomars policie and Spaines Ambition will triumph ore your Scripture Q. E. This match tends onely to bring in the Pope into our Churches and the King of Spaine into our estate for that is the ayme of the first the Ambition of the second and the obiect and hopes of both and I feare a few yeares will proue it so if in time it bee not remedied and preuented which GOD of his mercie graunt for 't is true all the wheeles of Gondomars Art and inuention are at worke to effect and accomplish it Q. M. The Pope I must confesse as Christs Vicar Generall on Earth desires that England were Catholique but for the good King of Spaine hee hath Kingdomes enough of his owne and therefore lookes not after England onely he desires to see the Match consummated P. H. Yes the King of Spaines tongue hath so long watred and his mouth gaped for England that after Spaine hee wisheth England were his aboue all the Countries of the World and his Catholique Maiestie is very confident that this Match will giue a maine stroke to the businesse Q. E. If he once haue England hee will presently assume the Title of Emperour of the West as King Philip his Father was resolued to doe a little before his death yea his Ambition was so violent as hee missing of England would haue proclaimed himselfe Emperour of Spaine and had not his Councell diuerted and preuented him he would haue sailed to Mexico and there inuested and intituled himselfe Emperour of America P. H. And I haue heard that Gondomar hath giuen the King of Spaine his Maister good hope of England for 't is certaine that hee not long since wrote to the Dukes Lerma and Pastranna that the report of the strength of England resembled those huge Pageants and Colosses erected at Rome as the Caesars past from the Meluine bridge to the Capitoll in triumph who were outwardly glorious and within filled onely with strawe and poore combustable stuffe E. 6. Indeed it is the shame and weaknesse of England that Spaine is no better acquainted with its strentgh Q. A. And t is my griefe that Spaine should see Englands weaknesse and not feele its strength Q. E. O but it is the Spanish Match which will giue fire to England and make her welter in her miseries and flame in her calamities and afflictons Q. M. No no that Match will keepe the Temple of Englands peace from firing H. 8. Yea as Erostratus did that of Diana of Ephesus which in one day consumed all the wealth that rich Asia had bin many yeares and ages getting Q. A. As Religion is the powerfullest passion of our Soule so there is no stronger lincke of Friendship then Conscience and therefore I hope my Sonne Charles will not consent to match the Infanta of Spaine Q. M. But one of his chiefest Vertues is his obedience to the King his Father for although the Prince be his Son yet hee knowes he is his Subiect Q. A. All the world cannot better teach the Prince my Sonne to obey the King his Father then already hee knowes and doth but I could wish that King Iames my Husband would not inforce his affection to this Spanish Match Q. E. If he marry the Infanta she may proue a false and vnsecret Secretary to the Prince her Husband and a dangerous Princesse to the State for hee giuing her his heart his Highnesse can hardly reserue any corner for himselfe P. H. Yea then euery Spanish Traytor and English Rebell will shroud themselues vnder the authority and greatnes of the Princesse E. 6. So if England match with Spaine Spaine vndoubtedly will in a short time ouer-match England Q. A. And infallibly take the Crowne from it Q. M. Borrow it peraduenture to see it not to weare it P. H. I feare to weare it neuer to returne it H. 8. Yea for once gone it