1 Swears not to re-call Gaveston 7 Is troubled at his Oath 8 Falls into Melancholy 9 Sends for Gaveston 12 Acquaints his Councel therewith 13 Their Answer Ibid. His angry Reply Ibid. His Marriage 19 His Son Edward of Windsor born 28 He vows revenge for the Death of Gaveston 32 His Speech to Lancaster 34 Calls a Parliament 36 Goes against the Scots 38 Is defeated 39 Goes against them again 42 Is angry they refuse a Peace 44 Requires two Cardinals and sends them home Ibid. Besieges Barwick 45 Leaves it again 47 Seeks a new Favorite 48 Takes Spencer 49 Barons take Arms against him 55 His Proclamation against Mortimer Ibid. Answers their Message 57 His Speech to the Parliament 58 His Answer to the Merchants Petition against Spencer 65 Opposes the Barons 69 Seizes the two Mortimers Ibid. Beats the Barons 70 Kills Hereford Clifford and Mowbray 71 Takes Lancaster and others Ibid. Is moved for revenge Ibid. His Reply upon it 72 Beheads Lancaster and twenty two more 73 Calls a Parliament 81 Repulses the Scots and invades Scotland 83 Looseth his Treasure 84 Advises with Spencer 86 Will not consent to the Queens going 90 Sad at her departure 92 Complains to the Pope 102 He suspects the City of London 120 Removes to Bristol 121 Gets into the Castle 127 Betakes to a Bark and is seized Ibid. Sent to Berkley Castle 128 Is removed in Disguise 147 His Complaint 148 Is upbraided 149 His Keepers changed 154 He is removed to Corf Castle Ibid. He is Murdered 155 The young King Crowned 142 Kingdomes resentment of the Bishop of Chesters Imprisonment 21 L. Lincolns Speech to the King 22 Death 34 Lancaster surprized 71 Beheaded with twenty two more 73 M. Sir Gilbert de Middleton Executed 43 Mortimer spoils Spencer 55 Is committed to the Tower 89 Is favoured by the Queen 142 Moves the Kings Death 151 His Answer to the Queen 152 He flings away 153 Merchants Petition 65 Mowbray killed 71 Black Monks incite the people 144 Their Captain is clapt by the heels and dies Ibid. N. Navy set out 94 P. Parliament call'd 36 Called again 81 Give the sixth Penny 82 Called by the Queen 130 They resolve to Depose the King 131 The Speaker reads the Sentence 132 Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King 40 Is Hanged at Northampton Ibid. His strange Confession Ibid. Pope sends two Cardinals to Mediate a Peace 42 They go for Scotland and are Robb'd 43 Return 44 Requited and sent home Ibid. He Excommunicates the Scots King and Kingdom Ibid. Admonishes the French King to quit the Queen 103 Prodigious sights Ibid. Ports stopt 94 Q. Queen offers to go for France 88 Favours Mortimer 89 Pretends a journey of Devotion 91 Embarks for France Ibid. Is Tainted 94 Entertain'd in France 95 Her Address 96 Enticed to return 103 Tells the French King of it Ibid. Advises on the same 104 Joyful at Artois Council 106 Her farewell to France 108 Her welcome to Heynault 109 Jealous of Treachery 113 Embarks at Dort 115 Frighted at Sea 116 Lands at Harwich Ibid. Joyns Lancaster 118 Writes to the Mayor of London 121 Is received into the City Ibid. She goes for Bristol 123 Refuses a Treaty and gives Summons 124 Takes that City 125 Batters the Castle 127 Takes the King Ibid. Sends him to Berkley-Castle 128 Her Cruelty 129 Comes to London 130 Calls a Parliament Ibid. Her Speech to Mortimer 151 Her Expostulation 153 She unwillingly consents to the Kings death 154 S. Scots adhere to Bruce 36 Refuse a Peace 44 Excommunicated Ibid. Over-run the borders 45 Opposed Ibid. Beat A. B. York 46 Invade England and Ireland 82 Are repulst and Bruce slain 83 Seize the Kings Treasure 84 Scotland Invaded by the King 83 Bishop Stapleton Beheaded 121 Sir Walter de Selby Executed 43 Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick 42 Betrays it to the Scots Ibid. Spencer taken into favour 49 His Policy 51 Commons Charge against him 61 Banished 62 His Son a Pyrate 64 They return 67 Move for Revenge 71 His Advice to the King 86 Bribes the French 99 He is taken at Bristol 125 Executed by the Multitude 126 His Son taken 127 Hanged 130 T. Tresilian Hanged 143 Y. A. B. York opposes the Scots 45 Is beaten by them 46 FINIS Cottoni Posthuma Divers Choice Pieces wherein are discussed several Important Questions concerning the Right and Power of the Lords and Commons in Parliament By the Renowned Antiquary Sir Robert Cotton Baronet London Printed by M. C. for C. Harper and are to be Sold in Fleet-street the Exchange and Westminster * April 25. 1284. †July 1307. Edw. 1's care in educating his Son Banishes Gaveston Gaveston's Original and Character Edw. 1's Dying-Speech to the Prince Barons They swear not to recal Gaveston The young King troubled at his Oath Falls into the height of melancholy The Character and danger of Court-Parasites A Courtiers Speech to the King to recal Gaveston The King sends for Gaveston Acquaints his Council therewith who labour to divert him His angry Reply The Council consent to recal Gaveston Gaveston returns The King flights his Barons They perswade him to marry The King marries and marries Gaveston to Margaret Daughter of Gilb. de Clare Earl of Gloucester by his Wife Joan of Acres Daughter to Edw. I. Creates him Earl of Cornwall And makes him chief Minister of State Gaveston imprisons the Bishop of Chester The Kingdom resent it Lincoln's Speech to the King Gaveston banished the second time and sent into Ireland Again recalled Abuses the King and Kingdom Gaveston banished the third time goes into Flanders Edward of Windsor afterwards Edw. the 3. Born 13 Oct. 1312. Gaveston again returns The Barons take up Arms. Seize Gaveston at Scarborough-Castle and behead him The King's Exclamation on the news vowing revenge Henry Laey Earl of Lincoln dies 1310. His dying-Speech to Tho. Earl of Lancaster his Son-in-Law A Parliament called The Scots adhere to Bruce 1313. The King goes in person against the Scots 1314. The King defeated at Banocksbourn near Striveling Poydras of Exeter pretends himself King and the King a Changling His strange Confession The King goes a second time against the Scots Sir Peter Spalden made Governour of Barwick Who betrays it to the Scots 1318. The Pope sends over two Cardinals to mediate a Peace Who are robbed at Derlington Sir Gilbert de Middleton and Sir Walter de Selby executed for the same Sir Josline Denvile with certain Ruffians infest the North. The Cardinals return The Pope Excommunicates the Scotch King and Kingdom King Edw. besieges Barwick A great Dearth which lasted three years The Scotch over-run the Borders The Arch-Bishop of York opposeth them and is beaten at Milton upon Swale The King leaves Barwick King seeks a new Favorite Spencer taken into favour Spencers policy The Barons incensed Clifford's Speech The Barons take Arms. Mortimer spoils Spencer's Possession The Kings Proclamatition thereon The Barons Message to the King The
Kings Answer The Barons appear with a strong Guard The King's Speech to the Parliament The Commons Charge against Spencer The Spencers banished The Son turns Pirate The Merchants petition the King against him The Kings Answer The King writes to the Lords The Barons Answer The Londoners Petition for Spencers return The Spencers return Sir Barthol Baldsmere's Castle seised The King takes Arms. Seizes the two Mortimers The Barons rise The Barons beaten fly to Pontfrect Valens ' Speech in favour of the Lords The Kings Reply Lancaster beheaded and 22 more Good Policy to maintain a divided Faction in Court and Councel Spencer's Policy A Parliament called They give the King the sixth Peny Prodigious Sights The Scotch invade the English Borders and Ireland Are repulst Their General slain The King invades Scotland The Scotch seize the K. Treasure Earl of Carlile Executed The French King breaks his Peace with England The King adviseth with Spencer Spencer's Answer He adviseth the Queen be sent to France She offers to go She casts a wandering eye on Mortimer Mortimer in the Tower The King will not consent to her going Pretending a Journey of Devotion She embarques for France with Mortimer The King sad at the News Spencer encourageth him The Queen is tainted The Ports are stopt the Navie sent out and Watch and Ward every where The Queen entertain'd in France with seeming gladness The Queens Address The King and his Peers moved at her discourse Spencer eyes the French but fears them not He bribes them King Edward complains to the Pope The Pope admonishes the French King to quit the Queen She is enticed to return into England She tells the French King He shews her the Popes Sentence Perswades her to Peace She relates it to the Bishop Cane and Mortimer Who advise her not to return Mortimer storms The Queen moderates Robert of Artois His Speech Which infinitely joys the Queen Her Farewel to France The Bishop of Exeter forsakes the Queen Is bravely welcomed by the Earl His Brother pities the Queen and promises his Service He makes preparation The Earl condemns his haste His Answer The Queen jealous of Treachery Spencer's Agents frustrated The Queens doubts increasing she importunes the hastning her journey But without need The Queen embarques at Dort She is frighted at Sea She lands at Harwich Marching forward She is refresh'd at St. Hamonds Abbey Lancaster first joyns her The King is despairingly sorrowful his Council startled The King suspects the City of London Betakes himself to Bristow The Queen sends a mandatory Letter to the Mayor of London to keep the City for her and the Prince Bishop Stapleton beheaded by the Multitude The Queen sets out for Bristol Whence a hot Salley upon her A Treaty desired by that City Which being rejected the Queen gives them a peremptory Summons It is yielded Old Spencer Executed The King and young Spencer amaz'd The Queen batters the Castle The King and Spencer betake to a Bark but are beaten back by Weather The Bark seized The King sent to Berkly Castle Spencer insulted over The Queens Cruelty Spencer hanged Arundel the like The Queen comes to London She calls a Parliament They conclude to depose the King The Speaker makes a resignation of Homage reads the Sentence The King answers not a word The young King crowned The Queen and Mortimer bear sway They commit Baldock to Newgate Tresilian Lord Chief-Justice hanged The black Monks impatient of the King's restraint They not only incite the people but make Donhead their Captain Who is clapt by the heels and dies Sir John of Heynault and the rest rewarded They depart the Kingdom The King taken from the Earl of Lancaster delivered to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They remove him in disguise The King grieved with Indignities His Complaint The King is uncivilly upbraided His Answer The Queen and Mortimer unquiet still Mortimer's ears tingle He tells the Queen the King must die She seems discontented She returns her Answer Mortimer nettled His Reply Mortimer flings away The Queens expostulation She unwillingly consents to the Kings Death The Kings Keepers changed He is removed to Corf Castle He is murdered
and custody to be himself dissolute licentious and ill-affected but when he falls into a second errour making more delinquents Kings where one is too much he brings all into disorder and makes his Kingdome rather a Stage of Oppression than the Theater of Justice which opens the ready way to an ensuing Misery The heart of the Subject as it is obliged so it is continued by the Majesty and Goodness of the King if either prove prostitute it unties the links of Affection those lost the breach of Duty succeeds which hunts after nothing but Change and Innovation The bridle of the Laws is too weak a restriction especially when it is infring'd by him that is most bound to protect it Neither can the King in Justice blame or punish the breach when he himself goes the way of subversion of those Precepts which should preserve his Peace and Obedience It is so singular and so weighty a Consideration that a Burthen should never be imposed upon the Subject by extent of the Prerogative that may beget a just Grievance besides the grief in payment the novelty of the act incites to a tumultuous opposition Where there is neither Law to warrant nor fit president to induce the Injustice of the demand such actions begin in Complaint which unredressed fall into an extremity which draws with it a desperate hazard If the tye of Duty and Allegeance preserve the Obedience to the Crown inviolate let him beware that is the Prime Instrument or Seducer for he must be persecuted with implacable hatred which ends not until he be made a Sacrifice to expiate and quench the fury or the endangering of his Master by his unjust Protection It is no less proper for the Majesty and Goodness of a King in case of a general Complaint to leave those great Cedars to the trial of the Law and their own purgation this makes known the integrity and equality of his Justice which should not be extended to the grubbing up of Brambles and Shrubs while monstrous Enormities of a greater height and danger scape unlopped The accumulation of his Favour though it be a property of his own Power yet ought it in some measure to be satisfactory as well in the present worth of him elected as in his future progression else in the continuance he windes himself into the danger of participating his hatred as well as protection of his Errour The eye of the Subject waits curiously upon their Sovereigns actions which if they seem to degenerate from his Wisdome and Greatness and preferring a private Inconvenience before the redress of a publick Grievance it by degrees varies the integrity of the heart and begets a liberty of Speech which fall often on the actions of Revolt and Tumult Neither is it proper if there must be a Dotage in the Royal Affections that the object of their weakness should sway and manage the Affairs of State such an Intermixture begets Confusion and Disorder accompanied with Envy Hatred and a world of Errours If the King be never so innocent yet in this course he cannot avoid the actions of Injustice Experience tells the right use of a Favourite A good Cause in the integrity of time warrants it self and needs no supporter But Imperfection Fraud Dishonesty and Weakness in true Worth fly to his protection that by his strength they may prevail which in Equity and Justice are meerly corrupt and counterfeit Money Friends or Favour engageth him and he his Master hence proceed all manner of Oppression and Disorder Let the Spring-head be never so pure and unpolluted yet such a Diver makes it foul and muddy A smooth Tongue finding a favourable hearing sets a fair gloss upon the blackest Overture Love and a seeming Goodness leads where all seems currant which hatches daily broods of grief and mischief Thus doth the Kingdom suffer so misguided Had this unhappy subject of this Story not been thus abused had he been worser far he had subsisted but when for his inglorious Minions Gaveston and Spencer who successively enjoy'd him he made the Kingdome a prey to their Insolence he found both Heaven and Earth conspir'd his ruine So great a Fall these latter times produce not a King in a potent Kingdome of his own deposed by a handful of Strangers who principally occasioned it without so much as any Kinsman Friend or Subject that either with his Tongue or Sword declar'd himself in his Quarrel But you may object He fell by Infidelity and Treason as have many other that went before and followed him 'T is true but yet withal observe here was no second Pretendents but those of his own a Wife and a Son which were the greatest Traytors had he not indeed been a Traytor to himself they could not all have wronged him But my weary Pen doth now desire a respite wherefore leaving the perfection of this to those better Abilities that are worthy to give it a more full expression I rest until some more fortunate Subject invite a new Relation AN Alphabetical TABLE A. RObert of Artois his Character Page 105 His speech 106 Arundel Hanged 130 B. Barons the Kings Speech to them 5 They swear not to recall Gaveston 7 Are slighted by the King 18 Perswade him to Marry Ibid. Take up Arms 29 Seize Gaveston and Behead him 30 They are incensed 53 Take Arms again 55 Their Message to the King 56 Appear with a Guard 58 King writes to them 66 Their Answer Ibid. They rise 69 Are beaten and fly to Pontfract 70 Are pursued and repair to Councel 71 Speech in favour of them Ibid. Bristol City desires a Treaty with the Queen 124 Is yielded to her 125 Barwick betrayed to the Scots 42 Besieged by the King 45 Deserted by him 47 Sir Barth Baldesmere's Castle seized 68 Baldock's Speech 93 Is committed to Newgate 143 C. Carlisle Earl Executed 84 Cliffords Speech 54 Killed 71 Councel labour to divert the King from re-calling Gaveston 13 They consent to re-call him 15 Cautious Speech for Gaveston 10 Chester Bishop Imprisoned 21 D. Sir Josline Denvil infests the North 43 A great Dearth 45 E. Exeter forsakes the Queen 108 F. French King breaks Peace with England 85 Receives the Queen of England 97 Threatens the King 98 Shews the Queen the Popes Sentence 103 Perswades her to Peace 104 G. Gaveston Banished 4 His Character Ibid. Re called home again 12 He returns 17 And is Married 19 Created Earl of Cornwal Ibid. Chief Minister of State 20 Imprisons the Bishop of Chester 21 Is Banisht a second time 23 Re called again 25 Is Banisht a third time 27 Returns again 29 Is seized by the Barons and Beheaded 30 H. Sir Andrew Harcklay repulses the Barons 71 Hereford killed Ibid. Earl of Heynault welcomes the Queen 110 Reproves his Brother 111 His Brothers Answer 112 Rewarded and departs the Kingdom 145 K. King Edward I. his care in educating his Son 2 He Banishes Gaveston 4 He dies 5 King Edward II. his Birth and Character
Law their Swords their Justice He had no guilt of Treason or Rebellion his greatest fault was this his Soveraign lov'd him and shall I spare those that for my sake wrought his ruine No blood must have blood their own Law be their Tryal let justice take her course I le not oppose it The deeds of Charity must so be acted that he that gives be not abus'd by giving Who saves a Viper that attempts to sting him if after stung deserves nor help nor pity What could they more have done than they have acted unless to kill the King they so much hated and shall I pardon these sought my destruction and make them fit to act a new Rebellion If it be virtue 't is a poor discretion No I will make them sure that their example may others teach the just reward of Treason Dead men do neither bark nor bite the Living Instantly he flings away and to the general grief of the whole Army signeth a dispatch for present execution without so much as the exception of any one particular of all the great ones whom this last conflict had thrown at his mercy Lancaster is beheaded at Pontefret and two and twenty others of noble blood and great eminency in other places of the Kingdom so that there was scarce a City of any note but was guilty of this bloody Massacre So many excellent lives so ingloriously lost had been able to have commanded a victorious Army while it had triumpht in some forrain conquest Thomas of Lancaster a man good and virtuous though unfortunate kept faithfully the death-bed promise he made his father Lincoln but erring in the time and manner he tasted his prediction The King that was before so apparently guilty of many puny vices by this act loseth all their memory and dyes himself in grain with the true colour of a cruel Tyrant The reaking blood of so many brave subjects so untimely spilt had a quick and bitter reckoning to the final destruction of him and all the Actors In the operations of so great a weight though the colour of justice seem a Warranty yet mercy should have preceded rigour since they were not all alike guilty In point of extremity it is more safe and Honorable to do less than we may rather than all we may the one makes known our goodness the other the cruelty of our nature which with a loathed fear thrusts a zealous and true love out of possession in the hearts of those that behold and observe our actions Had these Lords been of a disposition equally cruel Spencer had not liv'd to triumph in their misery nor they to taste his malice for it is clear when they had him at their mercy that they sought not blood but reformation and assuredly in this their last act which was rather defensive than otherwaies their intentions towards the Crown were innocent In all respects saving the levy of their Arms which was done onely to support it with more Honour as things fell out afterwards it had been happy for the King if he had lost this Battel and they had prevailed for winning it was the beginning of all his ensuing misery of which the fundamental cause as appeareth in the sequel originally sprung that this bridle being taken away he fell to those dissolute actions and injurious kind of oppression that his Government became hateful and his Name odious which wrought in time the general revolt of the whole Kingdom Fear and the suspition of the following danger kept both him and his familiars in a better temper for though they were fully as vicious yet they were less confident and more reserved which this barricado taken off finds neither bound nor limit Certainly in the Regiment of a Kingdom it is a discreet and wise consideration in Court and Councel to maintain a divided faction yea and interchangeably so to countenance them that the one may be still a fit Counterpoise to the other The King by this means shall be served with more sincerity and diligence and informed with more truth and plainness Where one particular man or faction is alone exalted and onely trusted his words be they never so erronious finde seldom contradiction and his unjust actions pass unquestion'd all men under him seeking to rise by him sing the same tune the Flock ever bleats after the voice of the Bell-weather which stands with a politick wisdome since in opposition they purchase but disgrace and ruine By these means the Royal ear is abused and the Minions acts are more daring and insolent who cares ever more how to conceal cleanly than to be sparing in doing the actions of injustice by this the judgment of the King is impaired the Honour of the Crown abused the Common-wealth suffers daily more and more which by degrees aliens and estrangeth the heart of the subject The greater the heighth is the stronger is the working to preserve it which for the most part is attended with those same State-actions of impiety and injustice hence spring murmur and hatred exasperated by a continuing Oppression which ends for the most part in a desperate conclusion Though the fury of this victorious King had so fully acted his Tragedy yet the Mortimers were spared but it was rather out of forgetfulness than pity whose deaths had been more available than all those which in so great haste had tasted his fury Some think that the Queens intercession got the respite of their execution mainly followed by Spencer who in that act irreconciliably lost her favour by the subsequent effect it seems probable enough but howsoever it was wrought it appears he was reserved to be one of the fatal executioners of the divine justice which taught his persecutor that same antient Roman Law of Talionis and gave his unfortunate Master so sad a cause of a just Repentance The Kingdom after these bloody Hurly-burlies and strong Convulsions begins now to be a little setled onely it was fill'd with grief and expectation where these aims would end that ran on with such violence The principal Pillars of the common good being taken away and those that remain'd being frighted and disheartned gave such a liberty to the now great Officers that the whole interest of the State was believed little better than the fruits of an absolute Conquest All men suffer basely yet no man dares oppose or question't The King secur'd approves his Spencers actions and makes the Regal Power the Servants warrant Hence springs the insolency of unjust oppressions and those unlawful ways to drain the subject which leave no means might fill the Royal Coffers The grieved Kingdom languisht with these burdens the great Ones suffer basely courting his vices which like a tree oregrown of immense greatness shadow'd their growth and did suppress their merit They fawn upon the time and view each other as Ships salute at Sea whose Voyage differs they were become strangers to themselves and to their fellows which stop the passage to so
not 't is not much improper you let the Kingdom know the Queens departure how far it swerves from duty love or reason Dangers that be far off may be prevented with time advice and with a better leasure yet 't is discretion to catch the foretop of a growing evil look to your Ports your Navie well provided no forraign Force can wrong your Peace or Quiet For those within-door that may breed suspition the ways are easie to secure their moving Yet all this is too little if you stagger or with a drowzie coldness seem disheartned 't is life and action gives your People metal For Gods sake then great Sir leave off this Passion which wrongs your Greatness and doth maze your servants that see no cause but meerly your Opinion This Speech thus ended the King forceth himself against his disposition and cloaths his cheeks with smiles his brow with gladness with a more freedom he discourseth plainly the present state of his entangled business a Declaration is sent out to all the Kingdom that taints the Honour of the Queen but more his Judgement The Ports are all stopt up that none should follow a Medicine much too late a help improper to shut the Stable-door the Steed being stoln but 't is the nature of a bought Experience to come a day too late the Market ended The Navie is sent out to guard the Frontier and Watch and Ward is kept throughout the Kingdom These and many other grave Instructions are recommended to the Spencers wisdom whom it concern'd as deeply as their welfare they think not fit to trust the Care to others but do become themselves the Supervisors which for a time of force enforc'd their absence in which short intermiss the King relapseth to his former errour which gave him many sad and deep impressions he thinks the breach of Wedlock a foul trespass but to contemn her he so much had wronged deserv'd as much as they could lay upon him But he was guilty in a higher nature he had upheld his Parasites to brave her with too too fond a base presumptuous daring he fear'd his cruel actions stain'd with bloud would chalenge a quick and sad requital equal vengeance he saw the Subjects full of grief and passion apt and desirous to embrace Rebellion and few or none declar'd themselves to aid him unless 't were such as stirr'd by meer compulsion or private interest of their own safety Such dull conceits did so ingross his fancie that he almost despair'd of his own fortune His Minions now return'd from their employment had much ado to level these deep reckonings which lay so heavie on his guilty Conscience yet at the length he gain'd his wonted temper and acteth o'er afresh his former Errours The customary habit of transgression is like a Corn that doth infest his owner though it be par'd and cut yet it reneweth unless the Core be rooted out that feeds his tumour The guilty Conscience feels some inward motions which flashing lightly shave the hair of Mischief the scalp being naked yet the roots remaining they soon grow up again and hide their baldness the operations of the soul of true Repentance grubs up the very depth of such vile Monsters and leaves alone the scars of their abuses The French King having notice of his Sister's arrival entertains it with a wondrous plausible and seeming shew of gladness After she had well refresh'd her self and her little Son as yet a stranger to the riding of so long a journey upon a wooden horse with an Honorable attendance befitting more her Estate Birth and Dignity than the present miserable condition she was in she is waited on to Paris all the great ones and Bravery of that Kingdom are sent to give her welcome and to bring her to the King's presence When she beheld the Sanctuary of her hopes her dearest Refuge she falls upon her knee and with a sweetly-becoming modestie she thus begins her Story Her Royal Brother unwilling to suffer such an Idolatry from her that had a Father Brother Husband so great and glorious takes her up in his arms when thus she speaks her sorrow Behold in me dear Sir your most unhappie Sister the true picture of a dejected Greatness that bears the grief of a despised Wedlock which makes me flie to you for help and succour I have with a sufferance beyond the belief of my Sex outrun a world of tryals time lessens not but addes to my afflictions my burthen is grown greater than my patience yet 't is not I alone unjustly suffer my tears speak those of a distressed Kingdom which long time glorious now is almost ruin'd My blushing cheek may give a silent knowledge I too much love and honour the cause of my afflictions to express it Yet this in modestie I may discover my Royal Husband is too much abused his will his ear his heart is too too open to those which make his errours their advantage the hope of his return is lost he still must wander while such bewitching Syrens are his leaders But why do I include them as a number 't is onely one the rest are but his creatures How many of his brave and nobler Subjects have sold their lives to purchase him his Freedom All expectation fails domestick Quarrels have ta'en away their lives that strove to help it unless you please your Arms shall disinchant him he still must be abused his Kingdom grieved I had not else thus stoln to crave your favour Made to your hand you have a way is glorious to let the world behold and know your vertue Fortune presents you with a just occasion to crown your Glory with an equal Goodness would you dispute it can there be a motive more weighty than to succour these poor Ruines which else must lose their portions being Birth-right See here and view but with a just compassion two Royal Plants depress'd and like to wither both Branches of the Flower-de-luce the Root you sprang from which but in you have neither hope nor comfort Would your impartial wisdom but consider how good a work it is to help distresses a wronged Sister cannot be forsaken and an Heir of such a Crown be left unpitied In such an act of Goodness and of Justice both heaven and earth will witness your true Valour and your poor Handmaid joy in such a Brother Let it not breed suspicion that I seek you with such a weak forsaken poor attendance I was enforc'd to steal away at randome and durst not by my number be distrusted by those with Argus eyes observ'd my actions Though I am here and those behinde that love me besides the Justice of my Cause the strongest motive I bring the hearts of a distressed Kingdom that if you set me right will fight my Quarrel their Truth needs no suspect you have for Warrant their Queen and Mistris with their King that must be Then gracious Sir extend your Royal vertue I challenge by that
purer Bloud assistance whereof my Birth-right gives me equal portion let not succeeding Ages in your Story read such a taint that you forsook a Sister a Sister justly griev'd that sought your Succour Her willing tongue would fain have moved farther but here the fountain of her eyes poured forth their treasure a showre of Chrystal tears enforc'd her silence which kinde of Rhetorick won a Noble pitie the Passions of the minde being sweetly mov'd the heart grows great and seems to sympathize their agitations which produceth a ready willingness that calls to action the foot the hand the eye the tongue the body till that the Engines slack that cause this vigour and then they all revert to their first temper The Queens discourse and tears so far prevail'd the King and all his Peers are deeply moved their longing hearts beat strongly for expression which might assure her they embrac'd her quarrel and with their Lives would venture soon a tryal Her Brother bids her cast her cares to his Protection which would make Edward know and feel his errours his greater Subjects offer her their Service and vow to be Companions of her fortune The general voice of France proclaim'd a fury strain'd to the height to punish her Oppressors This overture for a while is so hotly pursued that she poor Queen with an abused confidence believ'd things as they seemed in shew true perfect real 'T is not alone her errour but a disease all flesh and blood embraceth with ease we credit what we wish and hope for yet where so great a Consequence waits on the action there is just cause to fear and doubt the sequel Though that our aims be just discreet and hopeful yet if they be confined to certain hazard or do reflect upon the private danger of that same second hand that is engaged reason in justice strengthens the suspicion To right the Queen and to restore her Heir to ease the Subject punish the Oppressor all these are works thus far seem good and easie but these not Will but Power and Strength must compass against a potent King in his own Kingdom which if it fell out well return'd with honour if ill endanger'd France with an Invasion which might perhaps prove fatal and unhappie Wise men are mov'd in Passion not in Judgment which sifts the depth and core of such great actions weighing the danger and advantage with the hazard and dependance which if they turn the Scale or make them even takes off the edge of their propense affections which Cause asswag'd the heat of this employment Spencer whose watchful eye was fixt on Paris by his Perspectives sees the glorious welcome that waits upon the Queen and her attendants he hears no other News but what provisions were made in France to serve for War in England he is not frighted or a whit distempered he knew the French were giddy light inconstant apter for Civil Broyls than Forraign Triumphs beginning more than Men but in conclusion weaker and more uncertain far than Women he taxeth yet his own improvidence that gave the angry Queen so fair advantage 't was not the Power of France he feared nor all their threatnings but the intestine danger which seemed fearful He knew the Subjects hearts were quite estranged which did expecting long for some Combustion severity of Laws had kept them under 't was not in duty but by meer compulsion which backt by Forraign aid and such brave Leaders would break their Chains upon the least Alarum To take off France he straight select his Agents such as well knew the ways of these employments and lades them o'er with Gold and sound Instructions bidding them freely bribe and promise mountains till they had undermin'd and cross'd the Queens proceedings he bids them charily observe the quality of time and place and person proportioning their Rates with such discretion that those which most could hurt were deepest laden These Pinaces of State thus fraighted arrive at Paris where the heat was almost cool'd before their coming yet they go on to make the business surer they set upon the Pillars of the State and feel their Pulses who wrought like Wax against the glorious Sun-shine of brighter Angels which came showring downwards and struck them dumb and deaf for opposition Gold in an instant chang'd the Council's temper and conquer'd without blowes their valiant anger The Queens distressed tears are now forgotten they gave impressions these a real feeling words are but wind but here 's a solid substance that pierc'd not the ear but hearts of her assistants The Plot full-ripe to make it yet more perfect they set upon the King and shew the danger To force by Sea a passage into England was a designe as truely weak as hopeless where wants a Navie and the full provision might give a sure Retreat or certain Landing To cope at home with such a potent Kingdom requir'd an Army full of strength and mighty which must be still supply'd with Men and Money which not ready here in such abundance a Womans passion was too weak a motive to levie Arms alone on that occasion which brings no other gains but meerly Honour The English Nation were not so affected unto their Mistris Quarrel as to venture legal revenge or else intestine rapine which they must hazard if they loose or vanquish Lastly a bare relation of a female passion enforc'd the Cause which whether true or false was yet in question the Plaintiff had been heard but no Defendant These were the Reasons which are daily tender'd to take the French King off from his intentions which lov'd to talk of War but not to act it A small perswasion quickly fills his stomack that could not well digest a War with England Young Kings that want Experience have not Judgment to touch the marrow of their proper business and sound the depths of Councels For Advisers may be abused and bought and sold to mischief while Servants raise their gain from their dishonour This being so frequent 't is a Royal Virtue that hears and sees but gives no resolution in things of weight till he have reconciled his own with judgment to the Councils reasons if that it be above his reach that is in question let him not so rely upon the great ones that their words prove a Law which have their workings that aim more at their ends than his advancement As Kings have Councellors of State to ease their Burden so should they have a second help to guard their Honour a lesser body of selected good ones whose wisdomes privately inform him rightly of what in goodness is most fit his judgment State-actions fill the Purse but foul the Conscience and Policy may bloom the Profit blights the Honour which Kings should keep as tender as their Eyesight Though thus the squares that fed her hopes were altered the Queen is still led on with promis'd Succours which at the upshot meet with new excuses She seeing these delays and vain
protractions begins to doubt and fear there was some juggling yet bears it strongly with a noble Patience shewing no Discontent or least Suspicion hoping at worst that here in safety she and her Son might anchor out their troubles The Posts that daily fly 'twixt France and England had liberally inform'd the state of French Occurrents Spencer inform'd the gap was stopt on that side provides to quiet all at home if he could work it he sets upon the discontented Barons that hated him and envied more his Fortunes he courts their favour and imparts Promotions that might betray them more with shew than profit he makes the Gentry proud by giving Titles that feed ambitious mindes but not content them and takes off from the People light Oppressions but keeps afoot the greatest Grievance that kept them down from hope to shake his Greatness All sides do entertain it with a seeming gladness though well they knew it was enforced kindness While each part thus dissembles their intentions the Navie was call'd home a Charge was useless where was no fear might cause a forraign danger the Ports were open'd and the Watch surceased that day and night attended on the Frontier This haste as 't was too sudden wants assurance the rising Son was absent and still lookt for while the declining dipt his cheeks in darkness To ease this care the Queen is strongly tempted by such as seem'd her friends but were his Agents to reconcile her self unto her Husband whom henceforth she might rule as she thought fitting When this fell short she is at least intreated to send back her young Son the Kingdoms comfort which took it ill he should be made a Stranger or in the power of a forraign Nation These sweet enchantments move no whit her yielding that too well knew the Serpent that begat them her Son sent back they had the prey they lookt for and she must lack the prop must keep her upright This Project failing they fall upon a new one The King frames a Letter to his Holiness full of humility and fair obedience yet craving help and bitterly complaining that Isabel his Wife had fled his Kingdom pretending a meer Voyage of Devotion and had stoln away his Son his only comfort attended by a Crue of trayterous Rebels that strove to break the Peace of Christian Princes amongst which one being tane in actual Treason had escap'd his Prison by a lewd Inchantment whom he had cause to fear abus'd his Wedlock Lastly the French King his Alley and Brother received and kept them being often summon'd to desist and leave them The Pack of this complaint so well contrived was not opposed by the French King's Council who could be well content that by commandment their importuning Guests were fairly quitted Necessity would colour actions of unkindness if Houshold-Laws were broke or those of Nature This Letter runs from hence to Paris from thence to Rome by that same practick Agent that in this Interlude had won the Garland he bears a Picklock with him that must open the gates that were fast shut to guard the Conclave his first Arrival finds a fair reception Where Money makes the Mart the Market's easie These goodly gloses guilded o're with shadows must win belief where there was none to answer Had they been just and true the fact was odious and might in Justice challenge reformation it was enough that here it is believed so the Fact was fully proved the Reason smother'd The Cardinals that freely felt the English Bounty perswade the Pope it was both just and pious so great a Misdemeanour should be question'd that gave the Christian word so lewd Example On this flies out a present Admonition to the French King that straight he free his Kingdome of this his sister-Sister-Queen and her Adherents on pain of disobedience Interdiction While this Device was moulding out of England the Queen receives a large but secret Summons that all her friends were ready to attend her with all things fitting on her first arrival more than the plagues of Egypt did oppress them which they nor could nor would endure longer they bid her hasten her return though her provision were not enough their Swords should fight her Quarrel She with a joyful heart receives this offer which like a precious Balm clos'd up the wounds of her sad thoughts made dull with her suspicion More to advance this weighty work declining she tells the King the tenour of this tender His clouded brow the character of Passion discover'd soon the signes of alteration which yet seem'd more of Pitie than of Anger he had but then read his Italian Summons which he plucks forth and casts his drooping Sister bidding her view and wisely there consider what danger he was in by her protection The amazed Queen when she beheld the Sentence in stead of help would rob her of her refuge she falls upon her knee imploring pitie if not to give her Aid to right her Honour which was eclipsed with so foul a Slander A showre of mellow tears as milde as April's thrill down her lovely cheeks made red with anger dearly she begs at least but so much respite until his Holiness might be informed her innocence was such sought no favour but that the Law should give upon full hearing She doth implore him that he would compare her adversaries malice with his cunning who not contented with her deep oppression sought to betray at once her Hope and Honour wrought with such art and such a close conveyance that here her Judgement had outrun her Tryal He nothing sorry for so fair a warrant that took him off from charge and future hazard and yet withal would cover such Unkindness seems to lament the cause and his condition that of necessity must yeeld obedience he could not for her sake at one blow hazard the danger of himself and his whole Kingdom Not to forsake her wholly he perswades her to entertain a Peace the King her Husband should yeeld to her Conditions he 'll effect it that had a power to force it in his denyal which he would venture if the World gainsaid it Let him quoth he then use you ill or not receive you I 'll make him know I can and will revenge it small time is left you to consider or dispute it advise with speed and let me know your answer The amazed Queen abandoned and forsaken relates at full this far unlookt-for passage unto the Bishop Cane and Mortimer their valiant hearts make good their Mistris sorrows and tell her they would set her right without the French-men bidding her not consent to her returning though it were soder'd up with showers of kindness she well enough did know her Husbands humour which would observe no Vow no Oath no Promise if Spencer once more seiz'd her in his clutches she should be surely mew'd and kept from Gadding Mortimer contains not in this strain his Passion but breaks into the
Sorrow Farewel quoth she farewel thou glorious Climate where I first saw the World and first did hate it thou gavest me Birth and yet denyest me Being and Royal Kinred but no Friends were real Would I had never sought thy Help or Succour I might have still believ'd thee kinde not cruel but thou to me art like a graceless mother that suckles not but basely sells her children Alas what have I done or how offended thou shouldst deny my life her native Harbour Was 't not enough for thee in my Distresses to yeeld no Comfort but thou must Expel me and which was worse Betray me to my Ruine The poorest soul that claims in thee a dwelling is far more happie than thy Royal Issue but time will come thou wilt repent this Errour if thou remember this my just Prediction my Off-spring will revenge a Mothers Quarrel a Mothers Quarrel just and fit for Vengeance Then shalt thou seek and sue yet finde more favour from him thy Foe than I could win a Sister With this she weeping ends and paceth forward the Wheel of Fortune turning Grief grown greater few real Friends attend it false forsake it Infidelity the Plague of Greatness is commonly at full when Hope doth lessen and strives to make the Tide of Sorrow greater Stapleton Bishop of Exeter who till now had faithfully follow'd the Queens party and made himself a sharer of her action with an unnoble president doth now forsake her seeing the French hopes vanish'd and those remaining hopeless examining the grounds of her adventure almost as short in hope as in assurance he slily steals away to his old Master which wins him Grace but lost his Life and Honour Some think him from the first not sound or real but a meer stalking-horse for Spencer's Cunning but this hath no congruity with Reason The Queens departure unknown and unsuspected in which he was a prime and private Actor had he at first been false had been prevented at least the Prince's which had marr'd the project Neither can I believe so mean or basely of that same Reverend Honour of his Calling that it would be a Conduit-pipe to feed the stomack of such a tainted foul polluted Cistern By this Treachery the resolutions of the Queen are fully discover'd the Landskip of her Travels soon survey'd begets a more ontempt than fear of danger The coldness of the French King being understood their flat denial yet contents not Spencer who did expect his bargain for his Money Had he had but the Prince they had dealt fairly while he was being in their proper power But they to justifie themselves profess it freely the Queen had gone beyond them with their Cunning They thought she had been homeward bound as she divulged Thus Womens Wit sometimes can cozen Statesmen Now are the German Natures sifted and their Motions who fight but ill for words and worse for nothing Their Constitutions dull and slow were fitter to guard a Fort than to invade a Kingdom The Queen was bare of Money void of Credit which might beget them Valour her assistance These were conceptions pleas'd our Minions fancy Time that at length outstrips the longest journey hath brought our English Pilgrims into Henault The Earl a man was truely good and noble resolv'd so Royal Guests deserv'd as brave a Welcome esteeming it a Vertue fit his greatness to be the Patron of Majestick Ruines He had a Brother youthful strong and valiant one that lov'd Arms and made them his profession this man observ'd the Queen and sees her sorrow which deeply sunk and mov'd a swift Compassion when he beheld a Misery so great and glorious a structure of such worth so fair and lovely forsaken unfrequented and unfurnisht by the curst hand of an unworthy Landlord he vows within himself to help repair it He tells her he pitied her Misfortune his heart as well as eye did bear him witness He promis'd her his Service and Assistance which he would both engage in this her quarrel and seems right glad of such a fair occasion to shew his Valour in so brave a Quarrel So fair a Morning made the Evening hopeful By those sweet looks of her distressed Beauty and the best language of so rich a Pleader she doth confirm his well-disposed Affection whose willing offer seem'd more than Courtship The gallant Henaulder engag'd makes preparation to set upon this glorious Work this great Employment Pity that strains the Nerves of vertuous Passions moves faster far when that which gives it motion doth relish Beauty Justice Goodness The Tongue that harshly pleads his own compassion is for the most part entertain'd with like respondence when humble Sweetness cloath'd in truth and plainness invites the ear to hear the heart to pity Who by a crooked fortune is forced to try and to implore the help of Strangers must file his words to such a winning Smoothness that they betray not him that hears or speaks them yet must they not be varnisht o're with Falshood or painted with the terms of Art or Rhetorick this bait may catch some Gudgeons but hardly him that hath a solid Judgment 'T is more improper where we sue for favour to russle boysterously or grumbling murmur some unsavoury Prayers which seems to threaten rather a kinde of force than hope of pity So begging Souldiers fright a Country-Farmer The Earl being a man well broken in the affairs of State having a knowledge of this his Brothers resolution thinks it tasted more of Heat than sound Discretion he condemns his haste and blames his promise and sending for him with a grave yet mild discourse doth thus present the danger To undertake a War is far more weighty than hand to hand to fight a single Combat the one needs many strengths the other skill and valour Who thinks with his own arm to gain a Conquest may sell his Life and yet not purchase Honour I pity as you do this Royal Lady and would assist her too if I were able but to attempt where is no hope to vanquish makes Foes of Friends and Friends far more unhappy France has refus'd a strong and warlike Nation that King a Brother wisely waves the quarrel he knows the English Strength and so digests it that he 'll not undertake a War so hopeless Think you your self more prudent strong or able than is the Power and Strength of France united Or can you dream the English may be conquered by a few forward Youths that long for action Do not mistake the work of your Adventure which is too sad and great for greater Princes I do commend your forward Valour noble Pity it shewes a vertuous Zeal and Will to Goodness but measure well the act ere you begin it your Valour else must have a lame Repentance Where is the Sinew of the War that must maintain it Nor she nor you have Arms or Means or Money and sure Words will not conquer such a Kingdom Yet if
that Grievance which had abus'd the King and robb'd the Kingdom condemn'd by his own Actors as a motive in Justice fit to be reform'd and punish'd Lastly the purchase gain'd by such corruption as sold Promotions Places Justice Honour yields no assistance but doth prove a burden which bruis'd the hearts and thoughts of them that bare it Affliction fittest Physick sole Commandress for all diseased Minds polluted Bodies when she doth sharply touch the sense of our transgressions begets a Sorrow and a sad Repentance making us know our selves and our own weakness which were meer strangers to our own Conditions This she effects in all though full Repentance be a work proper to a true Contrition which by amendment makes her Power more perfect A Minde that 's prepossest by Custome hardned with a resolved Will that acts Injustice observes the first part of her Precepts sadly sorry yet 't is not for his actions but those errours laid him open to so curst a tryal The point of Satisfaction or Amendment it thinks too deep a ransome hard a sentence which easeth not but addes to his misfortune If here might end the end of mans Creation this had some colour for such crafty Wisdome but where Eternity of Bliss or Torment doth wait upon the Soul that leaves the Body a prey to Death and to a base Corruption it is an act of madness to betray it with humane Policy without Religion Actions of goodness must be truely acted not sacrificing part but all the Offering observing every point that is requir'd to make up a Repentance full and perfect This Lesson is too hard for those great Babies that suck the milk of Greatness not Religion The Fundamental part being fixt to get unjustly believes a restitution more improper which makes their cares and former labours fruitless and in an instant blights an age of gleanings These be the Meditations of a Statesman grown plump and fat from other mens Oppressions they live in doubtful pleasures dye in terrour what follows after they do feel for ever Our Councellors though they were deeply toucht with cause had yet no leasure but to deliberate their proper safety which findes a poor protection dull and hopeless Their Enemies rejoyce their Friends turn craven and all forsake the pit before the battle Necessity that treads upon their heels admits no respite they must resolve to fight or flye or suffer This makes them chuse that course which seem'd most hopeful to temporize which might beget advantage the fury of this storm in time would lessen the giddy motions of the Vulgar seldome lasted which throng to all that tends to Innovation A Kings distress once truely known would win him succour since those which break his peace not seek his ruine With these vain hopes he seeks to guard the City and make the Tower strong of all Provision knowing that he which hath but London sure though all the rest be lost may yet recover But Edward will not hear to keep the City their multitude he fear'd would first betray him He knew they were a crew of weaker Spirits for fear would sell their fathers or for profit they never sift the Justice or the quarrel but still adhere and stick to him that 's strongest had he still kept this Hold and took the Tower but with the strength he had and might have levied he then had bridled up the wavering City and kept his Adversaries at a bay too long and doubtful for their affairs which were but yet uncertain The guard of this place he commends to Stapleton Bishop of Exeter This Charge did not properly suit with his profession unless 't were thought his tongue could charm Obedience but he already had been false betray'd his Mistriss and with more reason might be now suspected It seems they had no choice and strong presumptions the City would not long remain obedient if so the fact was worse and more unworthy to leave so good a friend in such a hazard The King with Arundel and both the Spencers with small attendance get them hence to Bristow His Army was much less in his own Kingdom than those the Queen had rais'd by forreign pity This Town was strong and able well provided and had a Haven whence in occasion they might venture further But yet the King might have the same suspicion which made him leave and quit the strength of London Arundel and Winchester do undertake the City Edward and Bristow would make good the Castle here was the refuge they resolve to stick to which in the Citizens assurance seem'd defensive The Queen understanding the Royal Chamber was forsaken and left to the custody of the Bishop her old Servant that had given her the slip in her Travels quickly apprehends the advantage addressing a fair but mandatory Letter from her self and her Son to Chickwell then Lord Mayor to charge him so to reserve and keep the City to their use as he expected favour or would answer the contrary at his peril Upon the receipt of this Letter he assembles the Common-Council and by a cunning-couch'd Oration the Recorder makes known the Contents which is no sooner understood but the general Cry that observ'd the Tide turning proclaim it reason to embrace the Queens Party who was so strongly provided to reform the Disorders of the Kingdom Stapleton having gotten the knowledge of this passage sends to the Mayor for the keys of the Gates for the Kings assurance and his proper safety who being incens'd with the affront of this inconsiderate Bishop apprehends him and delivers him to the fury of the enraged multitude who neither respecting the Gravity of his Years or the Dignity of his Profession strike off his Head without either Arraignment Tryal or Condemnation This brain-sick and heady act had too far engag'd them to reconcile them they must now either adhere solely to the Queen or to taste a bitter Penance The King had an ill Memory in point of desert but the actions of so unjust a Disorder he kept registred in brass until he gain'd the opportunity of Revenge then he never fail'd it It was a mad part on so poor an occasion to act so bloody a Tragedy which took away all hope of Reconciliation if the Wheel had turned However the squares had went they were upon terms good enough so long as they contain'd themselves in any temperate condition But this was a way which incens'd the one part and not assur'd the other But the actions of this same heady monster Multitude never examine the Justice or the dependance but are led by Passion and Opinion which in fury leaves no Disorder unacted and no Villany unattempted But certainly this was a meer cunning practice of the Mayor who being underhand made sure to the adverse Party resolv'd to make it of a double use the one to help on the opinion of his devotion to the Queen in the punishment of him that betraid her the other by this action to
left him her Vigour was near spent her Beauty wither'd he could not long have liv'd if they had spar'd him Ninety cold Winters he had past in freedom and findes untimely Death to end his Story He parts without complaint or long discoursing he speaks these few words only free from passion God grant the Queen may finde a milder Sentence when in the other world she makes her Audit The King and his unhappy Son the sad Spectators of this Heart-bleeding Tragedy so full of horrour are with his dying farewel so amazed that scarcely they had speech or breath or motion so bitter a Preludium made them censure their own conditions were as nearly fatal The King a Sovereign Father and a Husband did hope these Titles would be yet sufficient to guard his Life if not preserve his Greatness but these prov'd all too weak Where Crowns are gain'd by Blood and Treason they are so secured Spencer had not a grain of hope for mercy the Barons Deaths prejudg'd his coming fortune The Queen used not to jest where she was angry his Fathers end assur'd her inclination and bade him rather venture any hazard than that which must rely on female pity With a world of Melancholy thoughts he casts the danger yet could not finde a way that might prevent it The Castle in it self was strong but weakly furnisht Time now he sees could promise no assistance their Adversaries were full bent to work their ruine either by publick Force or private Famine so that in their abode was sure destruction The King in this declar'd himself a Noble Master he priz'd his Servants Life as his own Safety which won them both to try their utmost hazard The Queen impatient to surprize this Fortress doth batter undermine and still assail it but these were all in vain and proved fruitless the Rampiers were too strong too well defended She threatens and intreats but to small purpose here were no Citizens that might betray it Alas there needed none as it succeeded the proper Owners wrought their own confusion they leave their strength and closely try their fortune which made them board a Bark rode in the Harbour in hope to get away undescryed This was the Plot or none must work their freedome But all things thrive alike with him that 's falling The Gale averse they softly tide her onwards the Wind will not consent to give them passage but rudely hurls them back to their first Harbour Thrice had they past St. Vincents Rock famous for Bristow Diamonds but in that Reach are hurryed back with fury The Elements of Earth of Air of Water conspir'd all at once to make them hopeless Sir Henry Beaumonde quartered next the Haven being inform'd that this gadding Pinnace had often attempted passage without reason the wind contrarious and the weather doubtful suspects that her designe was great and hasty on this he seiz'd her and surveys her lading which prov'd a prize beyond his expectation within her hollow bulk a Cell of darkness he findes this pair obscur'd not undiscover'd The King hath gracious words and all due reverence but Spencer is contemned and used with rigour This ends the War and gave the work perfection Fortune that triumphs in the Fall of Princes like a Stepmother rests not where she frowneth till she have wholly ruin'd and o'rethrown their Power that do precede or else oppose her Darlings The Queen having thus attained to the full of her desire resolves to use it to the best advantage Ambition seis'd her strongly yet resigneth to her incensed Passion the precedence her own good nature though she might adventure she would not trust so far to see her Husband nor did she think it fit those valiant strangers begun the work should view or see the Captive such sights sometimes beget as strange impressions instantly he is convey'd to Berklay-Castle there to remain restrain'd but well attended Spencer is hardly kept but often visited 't was not with pity which befits a Prisoner but with insulting joy and base derision Their eyes with sight and tongues with rayling glutted the act must follow that may stop the rancour which gives him to the Marshal lockt in Irons He here receives the self-same entertainment his aged Father found alone the difference he had a longer time and sharper Sentence All things thus order'd the Queen removes for London meaning to make Hereford her way and the last Journey of her condemned Prisoner that attends her each place she passeth by A world of people do strain their wider throats to bid her welcome with yelping cries that ecchoed with confusion While She thus passeth on with a kinde of insulting Tyranny far short of the belief of her former Vertue and Goodness she makes this poor unhappy man attend her Progress not as the antient Romans did their vanquish'd Prisoners for ostentation to increase their Triumph but merely for Revenge Despite and private Rancour mounted upon a poor lean ugly Jade as basely furnisht cloath'd in a painted Taberd which was then a Garment worn by condemned Thieves alone and tatter'd rascally he is led through each Town behinde the Carriage with Reeds and Pipes that sound the summons to call the wondering Crue together might abuse him all the bitter'st actions of disgrace were thrown upon him Certainly this man was infinitely vicious and deserv'd as much as could be laid upon him for those many great and insolent Oppressions acted with Injustice Cruely and Blood yet it had been much more to the Queens Honour if she had given him a quicker Death and a more honourable Tryal free from these opprobrious and barbarous Disgraces which savour'd more of a savage tyrannical disposition than a judgment fit to command or sway the Sword of Justice Though not by Birth yet by Creation he was a Peer of the Kingdom and by the Dignity of his place one of the most eminent which might if not to him in his particular yet in the Rights due to Nobility and Greatness have found some more honourable a distinction than to be made more infamous and contemptible than the basest Rogue or most notorious Cutpurse It is assuredly give it what title you will an argument of a Villanous Disposition and a Devilish Nature to tyrannize and abuse those wretched ruines which are under the Mercy of the Law whose Severity is bitter enough without aggravation A Noble Minde doth out of native Goodness shew a kinde of Sweetness in the disposition which if not the Man doth pity his Misfortune but never doth increase his sorrow by baser usage than becomes his Justice In Christian Piety which is the Day-star that should direct and guide all humane Actions the heart should be as free from all that 's cruel as being too remiss in point of Justice The Life of Man is all that can be taken 't is that must expiate his worst Offences the Law must guide the way Justice not Fury must be his Judge
to suffer the Severity of the Law rather seem defective than an apparent taint in the suffering disposition and goodness The actions of Repentance are registred in the table of our Transgressions where none to the guilty Conscience appears more horrid and fearful than those which by an inconsiderate haste or corruption of the Will have been acted in Blood and Passion So great a height as the Majesty of a King should be cloathed with as sweet a temper neither too precipitate or too slow neither too violent or too remiss but like the beating of a healthy Pulse with a steady and well-advised motion which preserves a just Obedience and Fear in those which are vicious and begets a Love and Admiration in all especially such as so graciously taste his Goodness I have dwelt too long in this digression yet I must though it a little delay the concluding part of this History speak somewhat that is no less proper for him that shall have the happiness to enjoy so fair and large a room in the Royal affections There must be in him a correspondent worth as well of Wisdome and Obedience as of Sincerity and Truth which makes no other use of this so great a blessing but to his Soveraigns Honour and his own credit and not to advantage himself by the oppression of others or improving the particular by the ruine of a Kingdome If the Masters actions be never so pure and innocent yet if out of affection he become the Patron of the Servants misdemeanours and insolencies by protecting or not punishing he makes himself guilty and shares both in the grievance and hatred of the poor distressed Subject The general cry seeing the stream polluted ascribe it to the Fountain-head where is the Spring that may reform and cleanse it By this one particular errour of Protection he that will read the History of our own or those of Forreign Nations shall finde a number of memorable Examples which have produced Deposition of Kings Ruine of Kingdoms the Effusion of Christian Blood and the general Distemper of that part of the world all grounded on this occasion Let him then that out of his Masters Love more than his own Desert hath made himself a fortune be precisely careful that by his disorder he endanger not the stair and prop of his Preferment which he shall make firm and permanent in making Humility and Goodness the Adamant to draw the love both of his equals and inferiours Such a winning Sweetness assures their hearts which in the least contempt or insolence are apt and ready to receive the impressions of Envy and Hatred which if they once take root end not in Speculation but Actions either publickly violent or privately malicious both tending to his ruine and confusion If he stray from this Principle striving to make an imperious height beget fear and the opinion of that fear the rock whereon he builds his Greatness let him then know that the first is the Companion of Trust and Safety the other a Slave that will break loose with opportunity and advantage Neither hath it any touch of Discretion or Society with Wisdome or Moral Policy to glorifie his new-acquired Greatness with unnecessary amplifications either in multiplicity of Attendants vanity of Apparel superfluity of Diet sumptuousness of Structures or any other ridiculous eminency that may demonstrate his Pride or Ambition Wise men deride it Fools applaud it his Equals envy it and his Inferiours hate it All jumping at length in one conclusion that his Fortune is above his Merit and his Pride much greater than his Worth and Judgment But this presuming Impudence ends not here Kings themselves may suffer for a time but in the end they will rather change their Affections than to be dazled and outshin'd in their own Sphere and Element Now is this young King Crowned with a great deal of Triumphant Honour but with a more expectation of what would become of this giddy world which seem'd to run upon wheels by reason of so sudden and so great a revolution The Queen and Mortimer in this his Minority take upon them the whole Sway and Government of the Kingdome The Act wherein they express'd themselves and their new Authority first was the Commitment of Baldock the quondam Lord Chancellor who hath the Great Seal taken from him and was sent to Newgate It may be wonder'd why he was so long spared they had use of his Place though not of his Person and had no Power if they had thrust him out to have brought in another or to have executed it by Commission unless they would admit it as an act of the old King until the new were Crowned This Cage was fit for such a Coysterel but yet his place being so eminent it was believed somewhat unworthy yet succeeding time made it not much out of square when Trisilian Lord Chief Justice was hang'd for interpreting the Law against Law and his own Conscience for the Kings advantage Now the recollected spirits begin to parallel time present with that precedent and to meditate upon that act which had disrobed and put down an anointed King that had so long sway'd the Scepter to whom they had so solemnly sworn Faith and Obedience They finde the State little altered onely things are thought more handsomly carried and the Actors were somewhat more warrantable yet the Multitude according to the vanity of their changeable hearts begin already to be crop-sick wishing for their old Master and ready to attempt any new Innovation such is the mutability of the inconstant Vulgar desirous of new things but never contented despising the time being extolling that of their Forefathers and ready to act any mischief to try by alteration the succedent like Aesops Frogs if they might have their own fancy each Week should give them a new King though it were to their own destruction This occasions many unpleasing Petitions and Suits tender'd to the new King and his Protectors for the releasement of Edward's Imprisonment or at least for more freedom or a more noble usage But these touch too near the quick to beget a sudden answer As things stood they neither grant nor deny either of them carrying with it so dangerous a hazard If he were free they must shake hands with their greatness and a flat denial would have endanger'd a sudden tumult They give good words and promise more than ever they meant to perform yielding many reasons why they could not yet give a definitive resolution this for the present satisfies The black Monks are more importunate and take not this delay for an answer but being still adjourn'd over with protraction they labour to bring that about by Conspiracy which they could not do by Intreaty in their publick Exhortations they inveigh against the severity of the King's usage and invite their Auditory to set to a helping hand to the procurement of his Freedom they extenuate his Faults and transfer them to them
ruine The Warranty of Arms had a fair colour that should be levied to attempt his rescue which had a Royal stamp to raise and make them current If such a Project should be once in action it would be then too late to seek to cross it All men are apt to pity so great a King oppressed and not so much look on what he had been as what he is and being restor'd he might be The Queen whose heart was yet believed innocent of such foul Murther is or at least seems highly discontented She acknowledges his present Sufferings greater than his Offences or might become the King her Lord and Husband and holds this act of too too foul Injustice which stiles her Son a Homicide and her a Monster The crimson Guilt of such a crying action could not escape the cruel hand of Vengeance If it might be concealed from humane Knowledge the All-knowing Power of Heaven would lay it open She thinks it more than an act of Bloud to kill a Husband and a King that sometimes loved her She thinks her Son not of so ill a nature as to slip o're his Fathers Death untouch'd unpunish'd when that he was grown up in power to sift it These motives made her thus return her Answer Let us resolve dear Friend to run all hazards rather than this that is so foul and cruel let us not stain our Souls with Royal Bloud and Murder which seldome scapes unseen but never unpunish'd especially for such a fear as is but casual while we are innocent at worst our danger is but privation of this glorious shadow which Death can take when we believe it surest but if we taint the inward part with such a tincture our proper Guilt will bring continual terrour a fear that never dyes but lives still dying If Edward do get loose what need we fear him that pull'd him down when he was great at highest Why should we then resolve his Death or Murder this Help may serve when we are desperate of other Remedies which yet appears not To act so great a sin without compulsion addes to the deed and makes it far more odious nor can it plead excuse if after question'd that hath no cause but merely Supposition Say that he were a dead man gone and hopeless neither our fears or dangers are more lessen'd we are still subject to the self same hazard and have to boot our proper Guilt to cause it Those that do hate or envy us can fashion other pretexts as fair as this to shake us which we shall better crush while we are guiltless Then think upon some other course as sure more harmless ne're can my heart consent to kill my Husband Mortimer being nettled with this Reply so far wide of the aim which in his bloudy thoughts he had so constantly resolved on thought he would return the Queen as bitter a Pill as she had given him to bite on which makes him thus reply in anger Madam who hath the time to friend and doth neglect it is justly falling scorn'd and sinks unpitied Have you for this endur'd so bitter tryals to be at length a foe to your own safety Did you outrun your Troubles suffering meanly but to return unto your first condition If it be so I must approve your Reasons and say your grounds were like your project hopeful You see your glorious Morning now turn'd cloudy the Kingdom doth repine to see our Greatness yet have no hope but in the King deposed who taken away what fear can justly move us Your youthful Son we 'll rule till he grows older and in that time establish such a Greatness as he shall hardly touch or dare to question To cast a world of doubts is vain and senseless where we enforc'd must either act or perish and to be nice in that hath no election doth waste out time and not prevent the errour If you stick fast in this your tender pity I must in justice then accuse my fortune that gave my heart to such a female Weakness Is there a disproportion in this action to keep the Crown with bloud that was so gotten Is there a more restraint to keep than get by Treason If so I yield and will sit still and ruine Had Edward known or fear'd he had prevented nor you nor I had had the Power to hurt him But he neglected time and now repents it and so must we if we embrace his errour Fear is far less in sense than apparition and makes the shadow greater than the subject which makes a faintness as the Fancy leads it where is small reason to be so affected You urge it cannot be concealed or hidden I not deny but it may be discovered such deeds may yet be so contrived and acted that they prevent all proof if not suspicion But why do I spend time in this perswasion let him get free whom we so much have wronged let him examine our proceedings sift our actions perhaps he will forget forgive be reeonciled and spare your tears left that your mighty Brother should chance grow angry if you lose your Greatness you may if you be pleased abide the tryal Mortimer's resolv'd since you refuse his judgment you neither prize his safety nor his service and therefore he will seek some other refuge before it be too late and too far hopeless With this he flings away in discontentment as if he meant with speed to quit the Kingdom The amazed Queen pursues and overtakes him who seem'd unwilling to prolong the treaty Stay gentle Mortimer quoth she I am a Woman fitter to hear and take advice than give it think not I prize thee in so mean a fashion as to despise thy Safety or thy Council Must Edward dye and is there no prevention Oh wretched state of Greatness frail Condition that is preserv'd by Bloud secur'd by Murder I dare not say I yield or yet deny it Shame stops the one the other Fear forbiddeth only I beg I be not made partaker or privy to the time the means the manner With this she weeps and fain would have recanted but she saw in that course a double danger Mortimer that had now what he lookt for assures her he would undergo the act and hazard which would not have moved if not inforced by those strong motives of their certain danger He requests alone the King might seal a Warrant that he may change anew his former Keepers Sir Morice Barcklaye as it seems had been aloof off treated with but was not pliable or apt to fasten he was both careful of his Charge and Masters Safety this takes him suddenly from his custody Sir Thomas Towurlie supplies his place with his old partner they having received their new Warrant and their Royal Prisoner carry him by sudden and hasty Journeys to Cork-Castle the place that in all the world he most hated Some say that he was foretold by a certain Magician who as it