Lancashire and Cheshire men to the intent to make ware on the foresaid Lords and suffered them to robbe and spoile without correction or reproofe 6 Item that although the king flatteringly and with great dissimulation made proclamation throughout the realme that the Lords aforenamed were not attached for any crime of treason but onely for extortions and oppressions doone within the realme yet he laide to them in the Parlament rebellion and manifest treason 7 Item he hath compelled diuers of the said Lords seruants by menace to make great fines extreame paiments to their vtter vndooing and notwithstanding his pardon to to them graunted he made them fine a new 8 Item where diuers were appointed to common of the estate of the realme and the commonwealth of the same the king caused all the roules records to be kept froÌ„ them contrary to his promise made in parlament to his opeÌ„ dishonor 9 Item â—e vncharitably commaunded that no man vpon paine of losse of life and goods should once entreate him for the returne of Henrie now duke of Lancaster 10 Item where the realme is houlden of God and not of the Pope or any other Prince the said King Richard after he had obteyned diuers acts of Parlament for his owne peculiar profit and pleasure then he procured Bulles and extreame censures from Rome to compell all men streitly to keepe the same contrary to the honour and auncient priuiledges of this realme 11 Item although the Duke of Lancaster had done his deuoyre against Thomas Duke of Northfolke in proofe of his quarrell yet the said king without reason or ground banished him the realme for ten yeares contrarie to all equitie 12 Item before the Dukes departure he vnder his broad Scale licenced him to make atturneys to prosecute and defend his causes the said king after his departure would suffer none atturney to appeare for him but did with his at his pleasure 13 Item the said king put out diuers Shiriffes lawfully elected and put in their roomes diuers others of his owne minions subuerting the lawe contrarie to his oath and honour 14 Item he borowed great summes of money and bound himselfe vnder his letters patents for the repayment of the same and yet not one peny paide 15 Item he taxed men at the will of him and his vnhappie counsaile and the same treasure spent in folly not paying poore men for their vittaile and viand 16 Item he said that the lawes of the realme were in his head and sometimes in his brest by reason of which phantasticall opinion he destroyed noble men and impouerished the poore commons 17 Item the parlament setting and enacting diuers notable statutes for the profit and aduancement of the commonwealth he by his priuie friends and solicitours caused to be enacted that no acte then enacted should be more preiudiciall to him then it was to his predecessours thorow which prouiso he did often as he list and not as the lawe ment 18 Item for to serue his purpose he would suffer the Shiriffes of the shires to remaine aboue one yeare or two in their office 19 Item at the summons of parlament when the Knights and Burgesses should be elect and the election had fully proceeded he put out diuers persons elected and put in others in their places to serue his will and appetite 20 Item he had priuie espials in euery shire to heare who had of him any communication and if he communed of his lafciuious liuing and outragious dooing he straightwayes was apprehended and made a grieuous fine 21 Item the spiritualtie alledged against him that he at his going into Ireland exacted many notable summes of money beside Plate and Iewels without lawe ot custome contrary to his oath taken at his coronation 22 Item when diuers Lordes and Iustices were sworne to say the trueth of diuers things to them committed in charge both for the honor of the realme and profit of the king the said king so menaced them with sore threatnings that no man would or durst say the right 23 Item that without the assent of the Nobilitie he caryed the Iewels and Place and treasure ouer the sea into Ireland to the great impouerishing of the realme and all the good recordes of the common wealth against his extortions he caused priuily to be embeaseled and caryed away 24 Item in all leagues and letters to be concluded and sent to the sea of Rome and other regions his writing was so subtill and darke that no other Prince durst once beleeue him nor yet his owne subiects 25 Item he most tyranouslie and vnprincely said that the liues and goods of all his subiects were in the Princes hands and at his disposition 26 Item that he contrarie to the great Charter of England caused diuers lustie men to appeale diuers olde men vpon matters determinable at the common law in the court Marciall because that in that court is no triall but onely by battaile whereby the sayd aged persons fearing the sequell of the matter submitted themselues to his mercie whom he fined and ransomed vnreasonably at his pleasure 27 Item he craftily deuised certaine priuie oathes contrarie to lawe and caused diuers of his subiects first to be sworne to obserue the same and after bound them in bands for surer keeping the same to the great vndooing of many honest men 28 Item where the Chancellour according to lawe would in no wise graunt a prohibition to a certaine person the king graunted it vnto the same person vnder his priuie â—eale with great threatnings if it should be disobeyed 29 Item he banished the Bishop of Canterburie without cause or iudgement and kept him in the Parlament Chamber with men of armes 30 Item the bishops goods he graunted to his successor vpon condition that he should maintaine all his statutes made at Shrewsburie Anno. 21. and the statutes made Anno 22. at Couentree 31 Item vppon the accusation of the Archbishop the king craftily perswaded the said Bishop to make no answer for he would be his warrant and aduised him not to come to the Parlament and so without answere he was condemned and exiled and his goods seazed Foure other Articles were laide which particularlie did concerne the said Archhishop by whose dooing chiefly the king was vtterlie vndone Then was demaunded of the Nobilitie and commons of the realme what they iudged both of the trueth and desert of these articles who all agreed that the crimes were notorious and that king Richard was worthie for the same to be deposed from his princely dignitie The noble men gaue their voyces part corrupted by fauour part awed by feare and the commons are commonly like a flocke of Cranes as one dooth flye all will follow Herevpon Commissioners were appointed by both the houses who pronounced sentence of deposition against king Richard in manner and forme as followeth In the name of God Amen VVe Iohn Bishop of S. Asses I. Abbote of Glastenburie Thom. Earle of Gloucester Thom. Lord Berkley Thom. Erpinghame Thom. Graye Knights Will. Thirninge Iustice Commissioners
c. 5 Item how are they to be punished who resisted or letted the King in exercising his royall power by remitting any penalties or debts whatsoeuâ—r 6 Item when a Parliament is assembled and the affaires of the Realme and the cause of assembling the Parliament by the Kings commaundement declared and commonâ— Articles limited by the King vpon which the Lordes and commons in the said Parliament should proceed if the Lords commons will proceed vpon other Articles and not vpon the Articles limitted by the King vntill the King hath first giuen answere to the Articles propounded by them notwithstanding that the contrarie were enioyned by the King whether in this case the King ought to haâ—e the rule of the Parliament and so to order the fact that the Lordes and commons should first proceede vpon the Articles limitted by the King or that they should first haue answere of the King vpon the Articles propounded by them â—efore they proceede any further 7 Item whether may the King when he pleaseth dissolue the Parliament and commaunde the Lordes and commons to depart or no 8 Item since the King may aâ— his pleasure remoue any of his Officers and Iustices and punish them for their offences Whether may the Lordes and commons without the Kings will accuse his Officers and Iustices in Parliament for their offences yea or no 9 Item what punishment haue they deserued who 〈◊〉 in Parliament that the Statute whereby King Edward Carnaruane was deposed should be brought forth by view whereof the new Statute ordinance and commission aforesaid were framed 10 Item whether the iudgement giuen in the last Parliament holden at Westminster against Michael Delapoole Duke of Suffolke was erronious and reuocable yea or no These questions or rather quarrelles were drawne by Iohn Blake a Counceller at the Law by direction of Iustice Trisilian whilest the King made his stay in Wales to the which the Iustices afore-named some in discharge of their owne malice and some to satisfie the mindes of other made answere as followeth To the first that they did derogate from the prerogatiue of the King because they were against his will To the second and third that they are to be punished by death except it pleaseth the king to pardon them To the fourth and fifth that they are worthy to be punished as traitours To the sixth that whosoeuer resisteth the kings rule in that point deserueth to be punished as a traitour To the seuenth that the king may at his pleasure dissolue the Parliament and whosoeuer shall afterwards proceed against the kings minde as in a Parliament he is worthy to be punished as a traitour To the eighth that they can not and whosoeuer doeth the contrary he deserueth to be punished as a traitour To the ninth that aswell the motioner as also the bringer of the sayd statute to the Parliament are worthy to be punished as traitours To the tenth they answered that the said iudgement seemed to them erronious and reuocable in euery part In witnesse whereof the iustices aforesayd with Iohn Locktone the kings sergeant at law haue subscribed and set their seales to these present c. When these bloody sentences of death and treason were vnder generall large termes thus fastened vpon the lords the king supposed his attempts against them whether by violence or by couler of law sufficiently warranted but his power both wayes as it was terrible against weake resistance so against such mighty defendants it was of small force to effect that which he so much affected Yet he did not omit his best indeuour and first accounting the lordes as condemned persons he made diuision of their lands and goods among those that he fauououred Then he waged souldiers to be in a treadinesse for his assistance and sent the earle of Northumberland to arrest the earle of Arundell at his castle in Reygate where he then lay But the earle of Arundell either vpon aduertisement or suspition of the kings minde bandâ—d himselfe so strong that when the earle of Northumberland came vnto him he dissembled his intent and left his purpose vnperformed Thus were these proceedings of the king as now in counsell so afterwards in euent not much vnlike that which the Fable telleth of a certaine hunter who first solde the skinne of the beare and then went about to take her but when he came within the forrest either by vnskilfulnesse or misaduenture he not onely missed his pray but fell himselfe into danger of the beast The duke of Gloucester hauing secret intelligence of the kings displeasure and of his drift sent the bishop of London to perswade the king to entertaine a more fauourable opinion of him making faith to the bishop with a solemne oath that he neuer entended any thing to the preiudice of the king either in person or state The Bishop not vnskilfull to ioyne profitable perswasion with honest declared to the king that his displeasure against the Lords was not grouÌ„ded vpon iust desert but either vpon false suggestions of their enemies or erronious mistaking aâ— some of their actions how desirous they were of his grace and fauour how faithfull and forward they promised to persist in all dutifull seruice how honourable this agreement would be to the king how profitable to the realme and how daungerous to both these troubles might encrease The king seemed to giue good eare credit to the bishops speech but Michael Delapoole a turbulent man and against quiet counsell obstinately contentious standing then by the king soone stiffened his minde against all impression of friendship Heereupon contention did arise betweene the Bishop and the Earle and brake forth violently into heat of words The Earle applied to the Lordes those obiections wherewith great men are vsually charged sparing no spight of speech and vsing all arte to aggrauate matters against them The bishop replied that the Earle was thus fiercely bent not vpon his owne necessity nor loue to the king but onely to satisfie his bloody and ambitious humour wherein he was so immoderate that rather then the lords should not be destroyed he would ouerwhelme them with the ruines of the state for tumults might in deed be raised by men of little courage but must be maintained with the hazzard and ended with the losse of the most valiant that neither his counsell in this matter was to be followed being the principall firebrand of the disturbance not his complaints against any man to be any thing regarded being himselfe a condemned person and one that held both his life and honour at the pleasure of the king At these words the king was exceedingly wroth and charged the bishop with menacing threats to auoid his presence When the duke of Glocester had knowledge heereof he signified the daunger to the earles of Arundell Warwicke and Derbie aduising them to take armes and vnite themselues for their common defence for in so doubtfull and suspected peace open warre was the onely hope of safety
others of that faction ran euery man like connies to their couerte Yea the king betooke himselfe to the Tower of London and there made prouision for his winter aboade hauing all his courses now crossed first rashnesse in taking armes and afterwards by cowardise in maintaining them The Earle of Darby signified this successe to his associates by letters yet without any vauÌ„ting or enlarging tearms his speaches also were moderate rather exstenuating his fact then extolling it but by stopping his fame it much increased when men esteemed his high thoughtes by his lowely wordes and his conceite in great exploites by his contempt of this Then the Lords met and marched together towards London whether they came vpon S. Stephens day hauing almost forty thousand men in their armie first they shewed themselues in battaile array in the fieldes neare vnto the Tower within the viewe of the King afterwardes they tooke vp their lodging in the suburbes the Maior and aldermen of the citty came forth and gaue liberall allowance of victuall to the souldiers offering vnto the Lordes entertainment within the Citty but they did not accept it Now this discord seemed to draw to a dangerous distraction of the common-wealth the vanquished parte being ful of malice and the conquerors of presumption the one wanting power the other right to command and rule The Archbishop of Canterbury and certaine others of the neutrality fearing the sequele perswaded the king to come to a treaty with the lordes but he made shewe of very light regarde of all these dealings let them stay saide hee vntill they haue wearied themselues with maintaining this multitude and then I will talke further with them When the lordes vnderstood the drift of his deuise they beset the thames all other passages and protested that they woulde not departe vntill they had talked with him to his face The king hauing neyther strength to resist nor scope to scape conseÌ„ted to a treaty and to that end desired the lordes to come to him into the Tower but they refused that place of meeting vpon feare of false measure vntill the king permitted them to search as diligently and come as strongly as they thought it meete So they came vnto the King well guarded and after a fewe colde kindnesses and strange salutations they laide before him his proceedings against them at Nottingham his letters which he sent to the duke of Ireland contrary to his worde for the raysing of armes against them his agreement with the French King for the yeelding vp of Callice and other strong holdes which he possessed in those parts with diuers other pointes of dishonourable dealing and negligent gouernment What should the King then haue said or done all these matters were so euident and so euill that there was no place left either for deniall or defence Therefore ingenuously first with silence and patience afterwardes with teares he confessed his errors And certainely the stiffe stomack of the lordes relented more to these luke warme drops then they would haue done to his cannon shot Then it was agreed that the next day the King shoulde meet with them at westminster and there treat further both of these and other necessarie affaires of the realme So the Duke and the rest of the lords departed except the earle of Darby who stayed supper with the king and all that time stayed him in his promised purpose but when hee was also gone some of the secrete counsailers or corrupters rather and abusers of the King whistled him in the eare that his going to Westminster was neither seemely nor safe and would cause not onely to his person present danger and contempt but also both abasement and abridgement to his authority afterwards The Kings minde was soone changed but the Lords being now stirred and feeling the Kings hand weake to gouerne the bridle became the more vehement and sent him worde that if hee did ieofaile with them and not come according to appointment they would chuse another King who shoulde haue his nobility in better regard This peremptorie message so terrified the King that he not onely went to Westminster but suffered the Lords to doe there euen what they woulde So they caused him much against his liking to remooue out of the courte Alexander Neuill Archbishop of Yorke Iohn Foorde Bishop of Durisme Frier Thomas Rushoke Bishop of Chichester the kings Confessor Likewise they remoued the Lord Souch the Lord Haringworth Lord Burnell Lord Beaumonte Sir Albred Vecre Sir Baldewine Bereford Sir Richard Alderburie Sir Iohn Worth Sir Thomas Clifford Sir Iohn Louell taking suerties for their appearaÌ„ce at the next Parliament Also certaine Ladies were expelled the Court and put vnder suerties to wit the Lady Mowen the Lady Moling and the Lady Ponings which was the wife of Sir Iohn Woorth Furthermore they arested Simon Burlye William Elinghame Iohn Salisburie Thomas Triuet Iames Berneis Nicholas Dagworth and Nicholas Brambre Knights Richard Clifforde Iohn Lincolne and Richard Motford Clearkes Iohn Beauchampe the Kings Steward Nicholas Lake Deane of the Kings Chappell and Iohn Blake counceller at the Law all these were committed to diuers Prisons where they were forth-comming but not comming foorth vntill the Parliament next following After the feast of the Purification the Parliament began at London and yet the King vsed many meanes either to dash or deferre the same to which the Lordes came attended with the number and strength of a full armie vpon colour to represse any ryote that might happen to arise but in truth that by this terrour they might draw the whole manage of affaires vnto themselues This assembly continued vntill Whitsontide next following with verie great feare of some men and hope of others and expectation of all Herein was Iustice Trisiliane by counsaile of the Lordes against the Kings minde condemned to bee drawne and hanged which iudgement was presently executed vpon him the like sentence and execution passed vpon Sir Nicholas Brambre Sir Iohn Salisburie Sir Iames Barneis Iohn Beauchampe the Kings steward and Iohn Blake Esquire who had framed the Articles which were exhibited against the Lordes at Nottingham Also the Iustices who gaue their iudgement concerning those Articles Robert Belkâ—ape Iohn Holte Roger Fulthorpe and William Burghe were condemned to perpetuall exile and yet they did not interpose themselues but intermeddle by constraint Sir Simon Burlye was also beheaded who was keeper of Douer Castle and had conspired to deliuer the same vnto the Frenchmen hee was infinitely haughtie and proude equall to the meanest in virtue and wisedome but in brauerie and traine inferiour to no Duke Diuers other were either put to death or banished and some as it happeneth when the reyne of furie is at large without any great cause The Earle of Derby furthered no mans death but laboured verie instantly for the life and libertie of many in so much as hoat speeches did arise betweene the Duke of Gloucester and him whereby he purchased a fauourable opinion
in death and find the weaknesse and fault of the counsell which you are about to follow Many like speeches were with great vehemeÌ„cy often repeated but the kings eares were stopped against all impression of manhood and as he was vnable to gouerne himselfe in his prosperous estate so was he much lesse sufficient to wind out of these intricate troubles Therfore perceiuing himselfe so straitly beset that he could hardly either escape away or shift any longer he desired speech with Tho. Arundel archbish of Cant. L. Hen. Percy earle of Northumb. of whom the one he had banished the other he had proclaimed traitor not long before These two came vnto him the king vpon short coÌ„ference vnderstanding what stiffe stomacks they bare against him was coÌ„tent not to demand that which he saw he could not obtaine thereupon agreed that he would relinquish his estate vpoÌ„ condition that an honorable liuing might be assigned him life promised to 8. such persons as he would name the greatest number whom aduersity did not alter This was then both readily faithfully promised by the Archbish. and the earle afterward solemnly ratified by the duke The king ceased not to intreat submisly promise largely and as the nature is of men perplexed with feare aboue his ability without measure the earle incouraged him and declared that the Duke before he had obtained any aide secured by his oath the safety of the kings person Then the king desired to talke with the duke which was likewise promised so the archbish the earle departed the king remoued to the castle of Flint about 8. miles distant from Chester to which place the Duke came to him Here the coutenances words of both were noted by them that were present the king seemed abiect base the duke neither iusulting nor relenting but comforting and promising friendly The king repeated many benefits kindnesses that he had shewed how in former time he had spared the dukes owne life lately his sonnes in regard where of he desired him with such submisnes as was agreeable rather with his necessity then his honour that he would shew some pitie where he had receiued such pleasure and permit him to enioy his life with such priuate maintenance as was coÌ„uenient for his estate The duke put hâ—m in good comfort promising him assuredly that he would prouide for his safety for which he suffered himselfe to be solemnly thanked thought it not much to haue it accounted a great benefit Indeed from that time the king was kept safe and sure enough from hindring any of the dukes purposes neither could it so easily haue bene discerned what had beue best for him to do as that this which he did was the very worst for the same night he was brought by the duke and his army to Chester and from thence secretly conueyed to the Tower of London there to be kept safe vntill the Parliament which was appointed shortly after to be holden Thus the King yeal ded himselfe the 20. day of August being the 47. day after the Dukes arriuall so that his iournyes considered from Houldernesse in the North to London from thence to Bristowe so into Wales backe againe to Chesten a man shal not easily trauaile ouer the land in shorter time then he conquered it So frienly was fortune vnto him that hee eyther found or made a readie passage through al hinderances and lets it seemed that he needed onely to open his armes to meete and receiue her as she offered her selfe vnto him All the Kings treasure Iewels with his horses and all his fardage came to the Dukes hands and many that were in his companie were afterwards also despoyled by the souldiours of Northumberland and Wales Some writers affirme that the King did not yeald himselfe but was forelaied taken as he was secretly passing froÌ„ Flint to Chester but the authoritie of others who liued in that time eyther in the plaine viewe or certaine intelligence of these affaires who for their place could not but knowe and for their professioÌ„ would not but deliuer the very truth hath drawne me to follow their report which I find also receiued by some late wrighters of as great deapth in iudgement and choice as any without exception that this age hath brought forth As the King was carried towards London certaine citizens conspired to lay themselues in a wait by the way and sodainly to slay him partly for priuate grieuances partly for the cruelty that he had vsed towards the whole citty but the Maior vpon intelligence preuented the practise and rode forth in person with a coÌ„uenient company to conduct him safely vnto the tower Shortly after the duke came to LondoÌ„ in solemn estate and sent forth summons in the Kings name for a Parlament to be holden at Westminster the last day of SepteÌ„ber in the same yeare in the meane time he deliberated with his kindred and kind friends coÌ„cerning the order of his proceedings The duke of Yorke who a litle before had bene gouernour of the realm for the king theÌ„ was the chiefest directer of the duke thoght it best that K. Richard should both voluntarily resigne also solemnly be deposed by consent of all the states of the realme for resignation only would be imputed to feare and depriuatiâ—â— to force whereof the one is alwaies pitied and the other enuied but if both concurre and his desire be combined with his desart being willing to forsake that which he is adiudged worthy to forgo then shall it appeare that he neither is expelled his kingdom by meere constraint nor leaueth it without iust cause This aduice pleased the rest and for executing therof vpon the day of S. Michaeil which was the day before the parlament should begin there assembled at the Tower Thomas Arundell archbish of Canturbury Richard Scroupe archbish of Yorke Iohn bishop of Hereford Henry duke of Lancaster Henry earle of Northumberland Radulph Earle of Westmerland L. Hugh Burnell L. Thomas Berkley L. Rose L. Willoughby L. Abergeiny the Abbat of Westminster the Prior of Canterbury Willam Thirminges and Iohn Makeham Chiefe Iustices Thomas Stâ—ke and Iohn Burbacke Doctours of Law T. Herpingham and T. Gray knights W. Ferby and Dionise Lophane publike Notaries and diuers others either not noted or not remembred When all were set in their places King Richard was brought foorth apparelled in his royall to be the diademe on his head and the scepter in his hand and was placed amongst them in a chaire of estate Neuer was prince so gorgeous with lesse glory and greater griefe to whom it was not disgrace sufficient to lose both the honour and ornaments of a king but he must openly to his greater scorne renounce the one and deliuer the other After a little pause and expectation the king arose from his seat and spake to the assembly these words or the very like in effect I assure my selfe that
some at this present and many hereafter will accompt my case lamentable either that I hane deserued this deiection if it be iust or if it be wrongfull that I could not auoide it Indeede I doe confesse that many times I haue shewed my selfe both lesse prouident and lesse painfull for the benefite of the common-wealth then I should or might or intended to doe hereafter and haue in many actions more respected the satisfying of my owne particular humour then either iustice to some priuate persons or the common good of al yet I did not at any time either omit dutie or coÌ„mit grieuance vpon natural dulnesse or set malice but partly by abuse of corrupt councellers partly by errour of my youthfull iudgement And now the remembrance of these ouer-sights is so vnpleasant to no man as to my selfe and the rather because I haue no meanes left either to recompence the iniuries which I haue done or to testifie to the world my reformed affections which experience and stayednesse of yeares had already corrected would dayly haue framed to more perfection But whether all the imputations wherewith I am charged be true either in substance or in such qualitie as they are layd or whether being true they be so heinous as to inforce these extremities or whether any other Prince especially in the heate of youth and in the space of two and twentie yeares the time of my vnfortunate raigne doth not sometimes either for aduantage or vppon displeasure in as deepe maner grieue some particular subiect I will not now examine it helpeth not to vse defence neither booteth it to make complaint there is left no place for the one nor pitie for the other and therefore I referre it to the iudgement of God and your lesse distempered considerations I accuse no man I blame no fortune I complaine of nothing I haue no pleasure in such vaine and needlesse comforts and if I listed to haue stood vpon tearmes I know I haue great fauourers abroad and some friends I hope at home who would haue beene ready yea forward on my behalfe to set vp a bloudy and doubtfull warre but I esteeme not my dignitie at so high a price as the hazard of so great valure the spilling of so much English bloud and the spoile and waste of so flourishing a Realme as thereby might haue bene occasioned Therefore that the Common-wealth may rather rise by my fall then I stand by the ruine thereof I willingly yeeld to your desires and am heere come to dispossesse my selfe of all publike authority and title and to make it free and lawfull for you to create for your King Henric Duke of Lancaster my cousin germaine whom I know to be as worthie to take that place as I see you willing to giue it to him Then he read openly and distinctly the forme of his cession wherein he did declare that he had discharged his subiectes from their oathes of fealtie and homage and all other oathes whatsoeuer and of his owne will free motion did abdicate the title dignitie and aucthoritie of a King and rendred vp the possession of the Realme with the vse and title thereof and all the rights thereunto appertaining To this the King subscribed and was sworne and then hee deliuered with his owne hands the Crowne the Septer and the Robe to the Duke of Lancaster wishing vnto him more happinesse therewith then had euer happened vnto himselfe Then he did constiture the Archbishop of Yorke and the Bishop of Hereford his procurators to intimate and declare this his resignation to all the states of the realme which should be assembled together in Parliament Lastly he gaue all his riches and goods to the summe of thee hundred thousand pounds in coyne besides his Iewels plate for satisfaction of the iniuryes that hee had done desiring the Duke al the rest that were present seuerally by their names not altogether to forget that he had beene their King nor yet too much to thinke vpon the same but to retaine of him amoderate remembrance and in recompence of the ease that hee had done them by his voluntarie yeelding to permit him to liue safely in a priuate and obscure life with the sweetenesse wherof he was so possessed that froÌ„ theneforth he would preferre it before any preferment in the world All this was deliuered and done by the King with voyce and countenance so agreeable to his present beauinesse that there was no man to vnmindefull of humane instabilitie which was not in some measure moued thereat insomuch as a fewe secrete teares melted from the eyes of many that were present in whose mindes a confessed and obscure alteration alreadie gâ—nne to beginne So proâ—e and inclinable are mento pitie miserie although they haue procured it and to enuie prosperitie euen that which they haue raysed Vpon Munday next following the Parlament began at Westminster and the Archbishop of Yorke and the Bishop of Hereford the Kings Atturneys for this purpose declared openly to the states there assembled the Kings voluntarie resignation and demaunded whether they would assent and agree therevnto the Barons of the realme by seuerall and particular consent the commons with one generall voyce did expreslye accept and admit the same Then it was thought meet that certaine defects and misdemeanures concerning matters of gouernment should be obiected against the King for which he should be adiâ—dged as vnworthy as he seemed vnwilling to reteine the kingdome To this purpose certaine articles were engrossed and openly read in which was conteyned how vnprofitable the King had bin to the realme how vniust and grieuous to the subiectes contrarie both to his honour and to his oath The chiefest of which articles are these that follow 1 FIrst that King Richard did wastefully spend the treasure of the realme and had giuen the possessions of the crowne to men vnworthy by reason whereof new charges were dayly laide on the neckes of the poore comminaltie 2 Item where diuers Lords as well spirituall as temporall were appointed by the high court of Parlament to commune and treate of matters concerning the state of the realme and the commonwealth of the same they being busied about the same commission he with others of his affinitie went about to impeache them of treason 3 Item that by force and menace he compelled the Iustices of the realme at Shrewsburie to condiscend to his opinion for the destruction of the said Lords Insomuch as he began to raise warre against Iohn Duke of Lancaster Thomas Earle of Arundell Richard Earle of Warwicke other Lords contrarie to his honor and promise 4 Item that he caused his vnckle the Duke of Gloucester to be arrested without lawe and sent him to Calice and there without iudgement murthered him and although the Earle of Arundell vpon his arraignement pleaded his charter of pardon he could not be heard but was in most vile and shamefull manner sodainly put to death 5 Item he assembled certaine
to the noble Prince Henrie the seuenth Henrie Plantagenet Earle of Derby was likwise by his mother Blaâ—ch extracted from the bloud of Kngs being discended from Edmund the second sonne of King Henrie the third by which line the Dâ—chie of Lancaster did â—â—creâ—e vnto his house Hee was a man of meane stature well proportioned and formally compact of good strength and agilitie of body skilfull in armes and of a ready dispatch ioyntly shewing himselfe both earnest and aduised in all his actions Hee was quicke and present in conceite forward in attempt couragious in execution and most times fortunate in euent There was no great place of imployment and charge which hee would not rather affect for glorie then refuse either for peril or for paines and in seruice hee often prooued himselfe not onely a skilfull commaunder by giuing directions but also a good Souldier in vsing his weapon aduenturing further in person sometimes then policie would permit his expences were liberall and honourable yet not exceeding the measure of his receiptes he was verie courteous and familiar respectiuely towards all men whereby hee procured great reputation and regarde especially with those of the meaner sort for high humilities take such deepe roote in the mindes of the multitude that they are more strongly drawne by vnprofitable curtesies then by 〈◊〉 benefits In all the changes of his estate he was almost one and the same man in aduersitie neuer daunted in prosperitie neuer secure reteining still his maiestie in the one and his mildnes in the other neither did the continuance of his Raigne bring him to a proude port and stately esteeming of himselfe but in his latter yeares he remained so gentle faire in cariage that therby chiefely hee did weare out the hatred that was borne him for the death of King Richard He could not lightly be drawne into any cause was stiffe constant in a good Yet more easie to be either corrupted or abused by flattering speeches then to be terrified by threats To some men he seemed too greedie of glorie making small difference of the meanes whereby he attained it and indeede this humour in noble minds is most hardly ouer-ruled and oftentimes it draweth euen the 〈…〉 But before I proceede any further in describing either the qualities or actes of this Earle I must write something of the Raigne of King Richard the second his cosin germaine so farre forth as the follies of the one were either caâ—fer or furtherances of the fortunes of the other Richard sonne to Edward Prince of Wales a little before deceased was after the death of King Edward the thirde Crowned King ouer this Realme of England in the eleuenth yeare of his age at which yeares the minde of man is like to the poâ—â—teis earth apt to bee wrought into any fashion and which way so euer it hardneth by custome it will sooner breake then bend from the same Now the gouernaunce of the King at the first was comitted to certaine Bishops Earles 〈◊〉 and Iustices But either vppon 〈…〉 the King or negligence to discharge their dutie 〈…〉 was more ready with pleasant 〈◊〉 to delight 〈◊〉 then with profitable counsaile to doe him good for smooth and pleasing speaches neede small endeauour and alwaies findeth fauour whereas to aduise that which is meete is a point of some paines and many timesâ— thanklesse office Herrâ— vpon two daungerous euils did 〈…〉 In and priuate respects did passe vnder publike 〈◊〉 In the thirde yeare of his Raigne it was thought meete that this charge should be committed to one man to auoide thereby the vnnecessarie wast of the treasure of the Realme by allowing yearely stipend vnto many So by the whole consent of the nobilitie and commons assembled together in Parliament this office was deputed to Lord Thomas Beauchampe Earle of Warwicke and a competent pension was assigned him out of the Kings Eschequer for his paines But the King being now plunged in pleasure did iâ—â—â—deratly bend himselfe to the fauouring and aduansing of certaine persons which were both reproueable in life and generally abhorred in all the Realme and this was the cause of two great inconueniences for many yong noble-men and braue Courtiers hauing a nimble eye to the 〈…〉 and dislikes of the King gave ouer themselues to a dissolute and dishonestlise which findeth some followers when it findeth deth no furtherancers much more when it doth flourish and thriue the King also by fauouring these was himselfe little fauoured and loued of many for it is oftentimes a daungerous to a Prince to haue euil and odious adherents as to bee euill and odious himselfe The names of these men were Alexander Neâ—ill Archbishop of Yorke Robert Veâ—â—â— Earle of Oxford Michael 〈◊〉 afterwards Earle of Suffolke Robert Triâ—iliane Lord chiefe Iustice Nicholas Brambre Alderman of London and certaine others of no eminencie either by birth or desert but obsequious and pliable to the Kings youthfull humour These were highly in credit with the King these were alwaies next vnto him both in companie and counsell by these he ordered his priuate actions by these he managed his affaires of state he spared neither the dignitie nor death of any man whose aucthoâ—â—ie and life withstoode their preferment In so much as in the fifth yeare of his Raigne he remooued Sir Richard Seroopâ— from being Lord Chauncellor of England to which office he was by aucthoritie of Parliament appointed because hee refused to set the great Seale to the graunt of certaine lands which had wantonly passed from the King alleaging for his denial the great debts of the King and small demerites of the parties vpon whome the King might cast away and confirme but spend in good order he could not aduertising him also to haue respect that ryote did not deceiue him vnder the tearme and shewe of liberalitie and that gifts well ordered procure not so much loue as placed without descretion they stirre 〈◊〉 This Chancellor was a man of notable integritâ— and diligence in his office not scornfully turning away from the ragged coat of a poore suppliant or pale face of a fickely feeble 〈…〉 holding vp their simple soiled billes of complaint not yet smothering 〈…〉 with partiall 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 mighty but being alike to all he was 〈◊〉 disliked of 〈…〉 In the eight yeere of this 〈◊〉 the destruction of the duke of Lancaster was extended likewise vpon the like dislike the plot was layed by Iustice 〈◊〉 offences were deuised appelloâ—s appointed and peâ—res named â—e should haue bene put vnder 〈◊〉 and foorthwith â—â—â—â—igned condemned and executed But the duke vpon 〈◊〉 intelligence of these continuances fled to his castle at Pomfret and there made preparation for his defence against the king So this matter began to grow to a head of diuision which the common people at that time very busily desired and sought but the kings mother trauelling 〈◊〉 betweene the king and the duke notwithstanding shee was both 〈…〉 〈◊〉 them both to are conâ—â—lement
time it is that the encrease were stayed oftentimes such ouer-ruling of Princes haue proceeded to their ouerthrowing and such cutting them short hath turned to cutting them off their mindes are suspicious their power daungerous and therefore the opportunitie must bee preuented The Kings owne weaknesse made him apprehensiue and framed his mind to a vaine and needlesse feare but chiefely he was moued at the remoouing of his Chauncellour and Treasorer out of their offices and of the Duke of Ireland out of the Realme supposing it a restraint to his princely power that he might not absolutly and in things giue or forgiue as his pleasure serued When these prâ—â—ie incensers perceiued the Kings humour once sharpned they so played him with plauâ—ible perswasions that although he was naturally of no cruell disposition as wanting courage yet they drew him to many violent and â—â—direct courses partly vpon negligence to search out the truth partly vpon delight to bee flattered and smothly vsed neither did they long deferre their deuises and first it was appointed that the Duke of Gloucester and certaine others of that part should be inuited to a supper within London there suddainely surprised and made away Sir Nicholas Brambre who the yere before had beene Mayor of London and in whome abundance of wealth supplyed the want of honest qualities was a busie agent in this butcherly businesse but Richard Extone the Mayor of the Cittie that yeare discouered the practise by whome the Duke was warned both to auoide the present perill and afterwards to be warie of the like The yeare next following Richared Earle of Arundel and Thomas Mowbraye Earle of Notingham had the conduct of a Nauie committed to their charge in this viage they tooke aboue a hundred sayle of the enemies ships fraughted with Wines and well appointed for fight they also relieued and fortified Brest and tooke two fortes which the Frenchmen had raised against it The Earles so behaued themselues in this seruice that they grew to a verie great estimation both for curtesie among their Souldiers and for courage against their enemies their actions were the more famous by reason of the infortunate insufficiencie of other CoÌ„manders by whose either rashnesse or cowardise many good Souldiers were dayly defeated and euery yeare made notorious by one losse or other Yet notwithstanding all their good labour and lucke they were at there turne entertained by the King with great straungnes both of countenance and speech Who was so vnable to dissemble his dispight that he could hardly deferre it vntill the heate of the honour and loue which they had wonne were somewhat abated So much are men more inclinable to reuenge displeasure then rewarde desert for it is troublesome to bee gratefull and many times chargeable but reuenge is pleasant and preferred before gaine About the same time Robert Duke of Ireland forsooke the companie of his lawfull wife whose mother Lady Isabel was daughter to King Edward the third and in steede of her he tooke vnto him a base Bohemian a Tauerners daughter The King little regarded this indignitie done vnto his cosin and in so great confusion of the state let it passe vnreprooued as ouershadowed with greater vices but the Duke of Gloucester her vncle tooke it in high disdaine as iniurious to the royall bloud and did attend vpon occasion to worke reuenge this was not secrete from the Duke of Irelande who likewise bent al his deuises to bring the Duke of Gloucester to his ouerthrow The Duke of Gloucester did prosecute this enmitie openly and manlike the Duke of Ireland closely and therefore the more daungerously The Duke of Gloucester was greater in bloud the Duke of Ireland in fauour he being Vncle to the King this bearing himselfe as the Kings fellow The Duke of Gloucester pretended for the state the Duke of Ireland for the King and much priuate mallice did passe vnder these publike shewes but in opposition of such equall powers there is many times final difference in harme And now was Easter past the tearme affigned to Duke Robert Veere for his departure into Ireland and least his stay might breede some stirre within the Realme hee still busied himselfe in preparation for his iournie and at last although it were long made a solemne shew ofsetting forth The King went in great state to accompanie him to his shipping and the Earle of Suffolke with Iustice Trisiliane and the residue of that faction either for fauour followed or for feare durst not stay hehinde So they passed together into Wales and whether vpon leuitie the Kings mind changed or whether it was so contriued at the first to drawe themselues more seperate from the Lords there the Dukes iornie was at an ende Then they entred into counsell which way the Lords might best be suppressed many deuises were deepely debated all pleased without respect either of danger of disgrace but few stoode with likelyhoode of euent to their desires and therefore none was finally concluded After long time thus friuolously spent they left Wales and came to the Castle of Notingham where the King caused the high Shirifes of all the Shires in the Realme to be called before him and demaunded of them what strength they could make on his part against the Lordes if neede shoulde require their answere was that the common people did so fauour the Lords and were so well resolued of their loue loyaltie towards the King that it was not in their power to rayse any great power against them Then they were commaunded that no Knights nor burgesses should afterwards bee chosen to any Parliament but those whome it pleased the King to appoint whereto they said that it was a harde matter in those times of Iealousie and suspition to bereaue the people of their auncient libertie in choosing Knightes and Burgesses for the Parliament some few other matters being either vnreasonably required or obtained to small end the Sherifs were licensed to depart Then were assembled Robert Trisilian chiefe Iustice of the Kings Bench Robâ—rt Belkâ—â—pe chiefe Iustice of the Common Pleas Iohn Holte Roger Stilthorpe William Burgh Knights and Iustices also of the Common Pleas men learned in one rule chiefely without difference of truth of falshoode to please those in highest place entituling that wisedome which indeed was but basenesse and feeblenes of minde these were charged by the King vpon their faith and legrance to make true full answere to those questions following 1 First whether the Statute ordinance and commission made and set forth the last Parliament whereby was ment the commission aganst Michael Delapoole Duke of Suffolke did derogate from the royall prerogatiue of the King 2 Item they who procured the said Statute c. to bee made and set forth â—ow are they to be punished 3 Item how are they to be punished who prouoked the King to consent to the premises 4 Item what punishment haue they deserued who compelled the King to consent to the said statute
the next parliament which he appointed should begin the third day of February then next ensuing as well you as they shall be present and iustice indifferently done vnto all In the meane time he tooke all parties into his protection that none should endanger or endammage another desiring the Lordes to beare in minde that as princes must not rule without limitation so subiectes must vse a meane in their libertie Then he caused the duke and the Earles which all this time kneeled before him to arise and went with them into his priuate Chamber where they talked a while and drunke familiarly together afterwards with a most friendly farwell he licenced them to depart They of the contrarie faction were not present at this meeting and if they had it was thought that the presence of the King should little haue protected them This act of the King was diuers waies taken some iudged him fearefull others moderate rather in sparing the bloud of his subiectes The Lordes were verie ioyfull of his good-will and fauour which as by base or bad meanes they would not seeke so being well gotten they did highly esteeme Yet they thought it the safest course not to seperate themselues suspecting the mutabilitie of the King and the malice of their enemies of whome they knewe neither where they were nor what they did entend and being men of great wealth and great power and greatly bent to hurtfull practises they were feared not without a cause for the Duke of Ireland either by setting on or sufferance of the King was all this time mustering of Souldiours out of Cheshire and Wales where hee gathered an armie both for number and goodnesse of men sufficient if another had beene generall to haue maintained the side When the Lordes were aduertised hereof they deuided themselues beset all the waies by which the Duke should passe to London determining to encounter him before he did increase his power and countenance his actions with the puissance or name of the King At the last he was met by the Earle of Derby at a place called Babbelake neere to Burforde and there the Earle put his men in array resoluing with great boldnesse to hazard the battaile his Souldiers also were ful of courage and hart disliking nothing more then delay as a loosing of time and a hinderance to the victorie but the Duke being a man not fit for action yet mutinous and more apt to stirre strife then able to stint it vpon newes of an enemie would presently haue fled There was then in the armie as a principall Commaunder one Sir Thomas Molineux Constable of Cheshire a man of great wealth and of good proofe in seruice vpon whose leading all that countrie did depend he perswaded the Duke that this was but a part of the forces that were against them and led onely by the Earle of Derby a man of no speciall name at that time among the Lordes and if they could not beare through that resistance it was but in vaine to attempt any great atchiuement by armes Hereupon the Duke stayed his steps but his faint spirits were mooued by this speech rather to desire victory then to hope it his souldiers also were dul silent sad and such as were readier to interpret then execute the captaines commandement So they ioyned battell but scarse ten ounces of bloud was lost on both sides before the duke of Ireland set spurres to his horse and forsooke the field His souldiers seeing this threw away their vnfortunate weapons more for indignation then for feare ruffling their rancks and yeelding to the Earle the honour of the field Sir Thomas Molineux in flying away was forced to take a Riuer which was neere and as he was comming foorth againe a certaine Knight whose name was Sir Thomas Mortimer pulled off his helmet and stabbed him into the braines with his dagger The rest submitted themselues to the discretion of the victorours making them lords ouer their life and death but their yeelding was no sooner offered then it was accepted the Earle presently commaunding that none should be harmed but those that did make resistance or beare armour the Souldiours also being willing to shew fauour towardes their countreymen as ledde into this action partly vpon simplicitie partly to accompany these which came vpon feare Then the Gentlemen were still reteined in the Earles company the common souldiers were dispoiled of their armour onely and so returned againe to their peaceable businesse at home And this was the first acte whereby reputation did rise to the side and the greatnes began whereunto the Earle afterwards attained The Duke of Ireland at the beginning of his flight was desirous to haue passed the riuer which ranne by and comming to a bridge he found the same broken from thence he posted to another bridge which he found guarded with Archers At the last his fearefulnesse being feared away as nothing maketh men more desperate vpon a doubtfull danger then feare of that which is certaine he aduentured to take the streame in the midst wherof he forsooke his horse and swam to the other side and so by benefit of the night escaped and fled into Scotland and shortly afterpassed the seas into Flanders and from thence traueiled into France where the continuall gall of his griefe soone brought his loathed life to an end His horse was taken with his brest-plate his helmet and his gauntlets whereupon it was generally supposed that he was drowned and as in great vncerteineties it often happeneth some affirmed that they sawe his death which men either glad to heare or not curious to search did easily beleeue whether this were thus contriued of purpose or fell so out by chance it was a great meanes of his escape by staying the pursute after him which otherwise had bene made His coach also was taken and certaine of the Kings letters found wherein he desired the Duke to come to London with all the power and speede hee could make and he would be ready to die in his defence so vnskilfull was he in matters of gouernment that to pleasure a few he regarded not the discontentment of all the rest The Earle of Suffolke vpon this accident shaued his beard and in base and disguised attire fled to Calice and either for feare or for shame neuer after returned into England he was a cruell spoiler and a carelesse spender in war contemptible in peace in supportable an enemie to all cousaile of others and in his owne conceite obstinatly contentious of a good wit and ready speach both which hee abused to the cunning commending of himselfe and crafty deprauing of others he was lesse loued but better heard of the King then the Duke of Ireland the more hurtful man the more hateful the Duke beeing charged with no great fault but onely the Kings excessiue fauour in their course of good and bad fortune both of them were famous alike Also the Archbishop of Yorke Iustice Trisiliane and
for the matters hereafter specified by the Lords spirituall and temporall of the realme of England and the Commons of the said realme representing all the states of the saide Kingdome specially deputed sitting in seate of iudgement and considering the manifold periuries and cruelties and many other crimes and offerces by Richard late King of the saide realme committed and doone contrarie to good gouernement in the realmes and dominions aforesaide during the time of his reigne also considering the articles which were openly â—â—â—bibited and red before the said states which were so publicke notorious manifest and famous that they could nor can by no auoydance and shift be concealed also considering the confession of the saide King acknowledging and reputing and truly vpon his certaine knowledge iudging himselfe to haue been and to be altogether insufficient and vnskilfull for the rule and gouernment of the realmes and Dominions aforesaid and of any parts of them and not vnworthy to be deposed for the notorious demerites by the said Richard first acknowledged and afterward by his will and mandate before the said states published and to them opened and declared in the English tongue Vpon these and other matters which were done concerning the same busines before the said States and vs by the diligent place name and authority to vs in this part committed in aboundance and for a cautele we pronounce decree and declare the saide Richard to haue beene and to be vnprofitable and vnable and altogether insufficient and vnworthie for the rule and gouernement of the said realmes and of the dominions rights and parts of them and in regarde and respect of the premises worthily to be deposed from all kinglie dignitie and honour if any such dignitie and honour remaineth in him and for the like cautele wee doe depose him by our sentence definitiue in this writing inhibiting from hencefoorth expressely all and singular Lords Archbishops Bishops Prelates Dukes Marquesses and Earles Barons Knights Vassalles and all other persons whatsoeuer of the saide realmes and dominions and other places to the said realmes and dominions appertaining the subiects and liege people of the same and euery of them that from henceforth none obey or intend to obey the foresaid Richard as king or Lord of the realmes and dominions aforesaid Then the same Commissioners were by the consent and suffrages of both houses constituted procurators ioyntlye and seuerally for all the states of the realme to resigne and surrender vnto King Richard for them and all other homagers of the realme all the homages and fealties which were both due and doone vnto him as King and Soueraigne and also to declare vnto him al the premises concerning his deposition Now Henrie Duke of Lancaster that he might be reputed or reported at the least not to attaine the kingdom by intrusion and wrong was counsailed by his friends to pretend some lawfull challenge and claime therevnto and being in power it was no sooner aduised what was to bee doone but it was presently deuised how to doe it So a title was drawne from Edmund sonne to King Henrie the third whom they surnamed Crowch backe affirming that he was the eldest sonne of King Henrie and that for his deformitie he was put from his right of succession in the kingdome which was for that cause giuen to his yonger brother King Edward the third to this Edmund the Duke was next of bloud by his mother Blanche sole daughter and heyre to Henrie the first Duke of Lancaster and sonne to the saide Edmund This cunning conceit was perceiued of all men but seeming not to perceiue it was a point of friendship in some and of obedience in the rest therfore the kingdome of England being then thought vacant both by the resignation and also by the deposition of King Richard Duke Henrie arose from his seate and standing in the view of the Lords crossed himselfe on the forehead and on the brest and spake as followeth In the name of God Amen 〈◊〉 Henrie of Lancaster claime the realme of England â—â—â—â—owne with all the appurtenances 〈…〉 of the bloud royall comming from that good Lord K. Henrie the third and through the right that God of this grace hath sent mee with the helpe of my kindred and of my friendes to recouer the same Which kingdome was in point to be vndoone for default of good gouernment and due iustice After these wordes it was demaunded in both houses of the Nobility of the commons which were assembled whether they did consent that the Duke should raigne Who all with one voyce acknowledged and accepted him for their King then the Archbishop of Canterbury tooke him by the hand and placed him in the throane of estate the Archbishoppe of Yorke assisting him and all the assemblie testifying their owne ioy and wishing his Then the Archbishop made an oration and tooke for his theame this place of Scripture See this is the man whom I spake to thee of this same shall raigne ouer my people 1. Reg. 9. 17. After all this he was proclaimed King of England and of Fraunce and Lord of Ireland and the common people which is voide of cares not searching into sequels but without difference of right or wrong inclinable to follow those that are mighty with shoutes and clamours gaue their applause not all vpon iudgement or faithfull meaning but most onely vpon a receiued custome to flatter the Prince whatsoeuer he be Yet least the heate of this humour should allay by delay it was foorthwith proclaimed in the great Hall that vpon the 13. day of September next ensuing the Coronation of the King should be celebrated at Westminster These matters being thus dispatched the King proclaimed arose from his seate and went to White Hall where he spent the rest of the day in royall feasting and all other complementes of ioy notwithstanding there appeared in him no token of statelynesse or pride nor any change in so great a change Vpon Wednesday next following the procurators before mentioned went to the presence of King Richard being within the Tower and declared vnto him the admission of his resignation and also the order and forme of his deposition and in the name of all the states of the realme did surrender the homage and fealty which had been due vnto him so that no man from thence foorth would beare to him faith and obedience as to their King The King answered that he nothing reguarded these titulare circumstances but contented himselfe with hope that his cousen would be gracious Lord and good friend vnto him So vpon the 13. day of October which was the day of the translation of Edward the Confessour the Duke was with all accustomed solemnities by the Archbishoppe of Canterbury sacred annointed and Crowned King at Westminster by the name of king Henry the fourth vpon the very same day wherein the yeere before he had been banished the Realme