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
is made the Cabinet for this grave Council there the King soon appears attended by all the bravest and ablest Spirits of the Kingdom The act of the first conference tends to the security of Berwick the street-door of the North and principal Key of the borders This care with a full provision is committed to the Fidelity and Valour of Sir Peter Spalden who undertakes the charge being plentifully furnisht and promiseth defence against the united Power of Scotland This unfortunate King was as unhappy in Councel as in Action A short time shews this unworthy Knight to the world false and perfidious Robert le Bruce that had this Strength as a mote in his eye conceived it by force almost impregnable this made him seek to undermine it by corruption and aloof off to taste the palate of this new Governour The Hook was no sooner baited but the Trout falls a nibbling ready Money and a specious promise of an expectant Preferment makes this Conspiracy perfect which at one blow sells the Town with all its warlike Provisions and the treacherous Keeper's Reputation and Honour The Pope who with a pious and a truely compassionate eye beheld the misery of this Dissention and the unnatural effusion of so much Christian Bloud seeks to reform it and to this effect sends over two of his Cardinals to mediate a Peace and to compose if it might be the differences in question They being arrived in England come down into the North to the King by whom they are with great Ceremony according to the fashion of those Religious Times received and welcomed They discourse to him the occasion of their Employment and encline him with many excellent and vertuous motives to embrace a Peace with Scotland The greenness of the Disgrace and the late Wound yet bleeding new kept him in a long demurrer Yet the holy and milde prosecution of these holy Fathers won him at length to their Mediation with a proviso that he were not too far prejudiced in Interest and Honour With this Answer they take their leave and prosecute their Journey for Scotland but with an example full of barbarous Inhumanity they are in the way surpriz'd and robbed Infinitely is the King incens'd with this audacious act which threw so foul a stain upon the whole Nation which causeth a strict inquisition for the discovery of these Malefactors which are soon known and taken Middleton and Selby both Knights expiate the offence with their shameful Execution The persons of Embassadours amongst the most savage Nations are free from rapine but being cloathed in the habit of Religion and such a Greatness and going in a work so good and glorious certainly it was an act deserv'd so severe a punishment Immediately at the heels of this follows another Example less infamous but far more full of danger Sir Josline Denvile having wasted his estate and not able to lessen the height of his former expences gets into his society a Regiment of Ruffians terming themselves Out-laws with these he infests the North with many outragious Riots insomuch that no man that had any thing to loose could be secure in his own house from Murder Theft and Rapine A little time had brought this little Army rowling like a Snow-ball to the number of 200 all the diseased flux of the corrupted humours of those parts flye to this Imposthume An Attempt so impudent and daring flyes swiftly to the Kings knowledg Report that seldom lessens makes the danger far greater than it deserv'd The Royal ear conceits it little better than a flat Rebellion whose apprehension felt it self guilty of matter enough to work on This made an instant levy and as ready a dispatch for the suppression of the flame while it but burnt the suburbs Experience soon returns the Fear is found greater than the Cause the principal Heads and Props of this Commotion are surprized and fall under the severity of that Law whose protection they in this enterprize had absolutely disclaimed Those that more narrowly examin'd the depth of this Convention believ'd it but a masque for a designe more perillous The intemperate and indiscreet Government had alien'd the hearts of this People there was a general face of Discontent over the whole Kingdome the Ulcers fester'd dayly more and more the Scotish disaster is ascribed to the Regal weakness and all things seem'd to tend to quick confusion If this unadvised and ill-grounded disorder had tasted the general inclination in a more innocent and justifiable way it was constantly believed the King had sooner felt the publick Revolt of the whole Kingdom But this work was reserved till a farther time and the operation of those that had the opportunity of effecting it with more power and a fairer pretence of Justice It is a very dangerous thing when the Head is ill and all the Members suffer by his infirmity Kings are but men and Man is prone to Errour yet if they manage their distempers with Wisdome or Discretion so that they lye not open to publick view and censure they may be counted faults but not predictions but when the heart is gangren'd and the world perceives it it is the fatal mark of that infection which doth betoken ruine and destruction The Cardinals are now come back the hopes of Peace are desperate the Scots are on the Sunny-side of the hedge and will have no Conditions but such as may not be with Honour granted Edward inflam'd will have no farther Treaty this makes them take their leave and hasten homeward Their Losses liberally are requited and many goodly Gifts bestow'd at parting Being come to Rome they inform his Holiness of the success of their journey who takes ill the contumacy of the perfidious Scots and excommunicates both that King and Kingdom But this thunderbolt wrought a small effect where Honesty had so little an acquaintance Religion must needs be a great stranger The loss of Barwick and the disgrace of his first Overthrow calls the King to adventure a Revenge which he thinks he had too long adjourned He makes it a disputable question whether he should besiege Barwick or invade Scotland but the consideration thereof is referr'd till the moving of the Army which is advanc'd with all speed possible Men Arms and Money with all such other Provisions as were as well fit to continue the War as begin it are suddenly ready in full proportion The Army attends nothing but the King's Person or some more lucky General to lead it In the knowledg he looseth no time but appears in the Head of his Troops and leads them on making an armed hedge about Barwick before his enemies had full knowledg of his moving The Council of War thought it not expedient to leave such a thorn in the heel of so glorious an Army The Scots thought it too great a hazard to attempt the breach of so strong a body so excellently intrencht and guarded the memory of former
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
The Portraiture of Edward the Second KING of ENGLAND Lord of Ireland Having Raig 19. Yeares and 7. Months was Murdered at BARKLEY-CASTLE at 43. Yeares of Age. THE HISTORY OF The LIFE REIGN and DEATH OF EDWARD II. King of England AND LORD of IRELAND WITH The Rise and Fall of 〈◊〉 great Favourites GAVESTON and the SPENCERS Written by E. F. in the year 1627. And Printed verbatim from the Original Qui nescit Dissimulare nequit vivere perire melius LONDON Printed by J. C. for Charles Harper at the Flower-de-luce in Fleet-street Samuel Crouch at the Princes Arms in Popes-head-Alley in Cornhil and Thomas Fox at the Angel in Westminster-hall 1680. THE PUBLISHER To the READER READER THou hast here presented to thy View the Life and Death of Edward the Second one of the most Unfortunate Princes that ever swayed the English Scepter What it was that made him so is left to thee to judge when thou hast read his Story But certainly the Falsness of his Queen and the Flattery of those Court-Parasites Gaveston and the Spencers did contribute not a little thereto As for the Gentleman that wrote this History his own following Preface to the Reader will give some short Account as also of the Work it self together with the Designe and Time of its writing which was above Fifty years since And this we think we may say and perswade our selves that upon the perusal thou wilt be of the same opinion that he was every every way qualified for an Historian And ' bating a few obsolete words which shew the Antiquity of the Work we are apt to believe those days produced very few who were able to express their Conceptions in so Masculine a Stile We might easily enlarge in our Commendations of this Excellent History but it needs not and therefore we leave it to thee to read and judge The AUTHOR's PREFACE To the READER TO out-run those weary hours of a deep and sad Passion my melancholy Pen fell accidentally on this Historical Relation which speaks a King our own though one of the most Vnfortunate and shews the Pride and Fall of his Inglorious Minions I have not herein followed the dull Character of our Historians nor amplified more than they infer by Circumstance I strive to please the Truth not Time nor fear I Censure since at the worst 't was but one Month mis-spended which cannot promise ought in right Perfection If so you hap to view it tax not my Errours I my self confess them 20. Feb. 1627. E. F. THE RAIGN and DEATH OF Edward the Second EDWARD the Second eldest Son of Edward the First and Elenor the vertuous Sister of the Castilian King was born at Carnarvan and in the most resplendant pride of his age immediately after the decease of his noble Father crowned King of England The principal Leaders of the Rebellious Welshmen Fluellen and Meredith being taken and executed the Combustions of the Cambro-Britains were quieted and settled in an uniform Obedience The Scots by the resignation of Baliol the execution of Wallis and the expulsion of Bruce their pretended King were reduced to their first Monarchy and brought to an absolute subjection at such time as he took upon him the Regiment of this then glorious Kingdom If we may credit the most antient Historians that speak of the Princes and Passages of those times this Royal Branch was of an Aspect fair and lovely carrying in his outward appearance many promising Predictions of a singular expectation But the judgment not the eye must have the preheminence in point of Calculation and Censure The smoothest waters are for the most part most deep and dangerous and the goodliest Blossoms nipt by an unkindly Frost wither or produce their fruit sowre or unwholsome which may properly imply That the visible Calendar is not the true Character of inward Perfection evidently proved in the Life Raign and Death of this unfortunate Monarch His Story speaks the Morning fair the Noon-tide eclipsed and the sad Evening of his Life more memorable by his untimely Death and Ruine He could not have been so unworthy a Son of so noble a Father nor so inglorious a Father of so excellent a Son if either Vertue or Vice had been hereditary Our Chronicles as they parallel not him in his licentious Errours so do they rarely equal the Wisdom and Valour of the one that went before and the other that immediately succeeded him Neither was this degenerate Corruption in him transcendent from the womb that bare him since all Writers agree his Mother to be one of the most pious and illustrious pieces of Female-goodness that is registred in those memorable Stories of all our Royal Wedlocks But the divine Ordinances are inscrutable and not to be questioned it may else seem justly worthy admiration how so crooked a Plant should spring from a Tree so great and glorious His younger years discovered a softly sweet and milde temper pliable enough to the impressions of Vertue when he came to write Man he was believ'd over-liberally wanton but not extreamly vicious The Royal honour of his Birth-right was scarcely invested in his person when Time the Touchstone of Truth shews him to the world a meer Imposture in Conversation light in Condition wayward in Will violent and in Passion furious and irreconciliable Edward his valiant and prudent Father had by the glory of his victorious Arms and the excellency of his Wisdom and Providence laid him the sure foundation of a happy Monarchy making it his last and greatest care to continue it so in his succession This caus'd him to employ his best understanding and labour for the enabling of his Son that he might be powerful fit and worthy to perfect this great Work and preserve it And from this Consideration he leads him to the Scotch Wars to teach him the right use of Arms which are to be managed as well by discretion as valour and the advantage of time and opportunity which lead humane Actions by the hand to their perfection Here he likewise instructs him with those more excellent Rules of Knowledge and Discipline that he might exactly know what it was and how to obey before he came to command Lastly he unlocks the Closet of his heart and lays before him those same Arcana Imperii and secret mysteries of State which are onely proper to the Royal Operations and lie not in the road of Vulgar knowledge yet letting him withal know that all these were too weak to support the burthen of a Crown if there be not a correspondent worth in him that wears it With these grave Principles the prudent Father opening the way soon perceives he had a remaining task of a much harder temper with an unwilling eye he beholds in his Son many sad remonstrances which intimate rather a natural vicious inclination than the corruption of time or want of ability to command it Unless these might be taken off and cleansed he imagines all his other
Cautions would be useless and to little purpose The pruning of the Branches would improve the Fruit little where the Tree was tainted in the root with so foul a Canker Too well he knew how difficult a thing it was to invert the course of Nature especially being confirm'd by continuance of practice and made habituary by custom yet he leaves no means unattempted being confident that Wedlock or the sad weight of a Crown would in the sense of Honour call him in time off to thoughts more innocent and noble Tenderness of Fatherly affection abus'd somewhat his belief and made him give his disorderly actions the best construction which suggests their progression to flow from heat of Youth want of Experience and the wickedness of those that fed him with so base impressions which with all those sweet and milde intreaties that spring from the heart of an essential love he strives to reclaim intermixing withal as great a paternal severity as might properly sute the condition of a judicious Father and the dignity of the Heir apparent of so great and glorious a Kingdom And to make him more apt and fit to receive and follow his instructions he takes from him those tainted humours of his Leprosie that seduced the easiness of his nature and mis-led his unripe knowledge too green to master such sweet and bewitching temptations Gaveston his Ganymede a man as base in Birth as in Condition he commandeth to perpetual Exile This Syren as some write came out of Gascoign but the Author whom I most credit and follow speaks him an Italian not guilty of any drop of Noble blood neither could he from the height of his Hereditary hope challenge more than a bare ability to live yet his thoughts were above measure ambitious and aspiring and his confidence far greater than became his Birthright Nature in his outward parts had curiously exprest her workmanship giving him in shape and Beauty so perfect an excellence that the most curious eye could not discover any manifest errour unless it were in his Sex alone since he had too much for a man and Perfection enough to have equal'd the fairest Female splendour that breath'd within the Confines of this Kingdom Though in the abilities of the Brain he were short of a deep and solid Knowledge yet he had Understanding enough to manage his ways to their best advantage having a smooth Tongue an humble Look and a winning Behaviour which he could at all times fashion and vary according to the condition of time and circumstance for the most advantage The youthful Prince having fixed his wandring eye upon this pleasing Object and finding his amorous Glances entertained with so gentle and well-becoming a modesty begins dearly to cherish the growing Affections of this new Forraign Acquaintance who applies himself wholly to win him to a deeper Engagement A short passage of time had so cemented their hearts that they seem'd to beat with one and the self-same motion so that the one seem'd without the other like a Body without a Soul or a Shadow without a Substance Gaveston the more to assure so gracious a Master strives to fit his humour leaving his Honour to his own protection seconding his wanton disposition with all those bewitching Vanities of licentious and unbridled Youth which in short time by the frequencie of practice begets such a confidence that they fall from that reserved secrecy which should shadow actions so unworthy professing freely a debaucht and dissolute kind of behaviour to the shame and sorrow of the grieved King and Kingdom This hastened on the Sentence of his Banishment that thought himself then most secure in the assurance of the Princes favour The melancholy apparitions of their parting gave the world a firm belief that this inchanting Mountebank had in the Cabinet of his Masters heart too dear a room and being The King knowing such impressions are easily won but hardly lost strives to take him off by degrees and labours to make him wave the memory of that dotage which with a divining Spirit he foresaw in time would be his ruine But death overtakes him before he could bring this so good a Work to full perfection The time was come that exacts the Tribute of Nature commanding him to resigne both his Estate and Kingdom When he felt those cold fore-running Harbingers of his nearly-approaching End he thus intreats his Son and Lords whose watry eyes ingirt his glorious Death-bed Edward the time draws near that callsâ— me to my Grave you to enjoy this Kingdom If you prove good with happiness 't is yours and you will so preserve it if otherwise my Pains and Glory will be your Dishonour To be a King it is the gift of Nature and Fortune makes him so that is by Conquest but Royal Goodness is the gift of Heaven that blesseth Crowns with an Immortal Glory Believe not vainly that so great a Calling is given to man to warrant his disorder It is a Blessing yet a weighty Burthen which if abused breaks his back that bears it Your former Errours now continued are no more yours they are the Kings which will betray the Kingdom The Soveraigns Vice begets the Subjects Errour who practise good or ill by his Example Can you in Justice punish them for that whereof your self are guilty But you perhaps may think your self exempt that are above the Law Alas mistake not there are Injunctions higher far than are your own will crave a Reckoning To be belov'd secures a sweet Obedience but fear betrays the heart of true Subjection and makes your People yours but by Compulsion Majestick thoughts like Elemental fire should tend still upwards when they sink lower than their Sphere they win Contempt and Hatred Advance and cherish those of ancient Bloud and Greatness Vpstarts are rais'd with Envy kept with Danger You must preserve a well-respected distance as far from Pride as from too loose a Baseness Master your Passions with a noble temper such Triumphs makes the Victor conquer others See here the Ruines of a dying Scepter that once was as you are a youthful Blossom I had not liv'd to see this snowy Winter but that I weau'd my heart from vain Temptations my Judgment not my Eye did steer my Compass which gave my Youth this Age that ends in Glory I will not say you too too long have wander'd though my sad heart hath droopt to see your Errour The time now fitly calls you home embrace it for this advantage lost is after hopeless Your First-fruit must make good your Worth if that miscarry you wound your Subjects Hopes and your own Glory Those wanton Pleasures of wild Youth unmaster'd may no more touch the verge of your affections The Royal Actions must be grave and steady since lesser Lights are fed by their Example so great a Glory must be pure transparent that hand to hand encounters Time and Envy Cast off your former Consorts if they sway you such an unnoble
President will shake your Peace and wound your Honour Your wanton Minion I so lately banisht call you not back I charge you on my Blessing for his return will hasten your destruction Such Cankers may not taste your ear or favour but in a modest and chast proportion Let true-born Greatness manage great Employments they are most fit that have a native goodness Mushroms in State that are preferr'd by dotage open the Gap to Hate and Civil Tumult You cannot justly blame the Great ones Murmur if they command that are scarce fit to serve them such sudden leaps must break his neck that ventures and shake that Crown which gives his Wings their motion And you my Lords that witness this last Summons you in whose Loyal hearts your Soveraign flourisht continue still a sweet and vertuous Concord temper the heat of my youthful Successor that he may prove as good as great in Title Maintain the Sentence was by me pronounced keep still that Viper hence that harbours mischief if he return I fear 't will be your Ruine It is my last Request I dying make it which I do firmly hope you will not blemish I would say more but ah my Spirits fail me With this he fainting swoons at length recovers and sadly silent longs to hear their Answer His weeping Son and heavy drooping Barons do mutually protest a strict Observance and vow to keep with truth this grave Injunction His jealous Spirit is not yet contented until they binde it with an Oath and swear performance Scarce was it ended when he mildly leaves the world more confident than he had cause as a short passage of time made plain and evident Dead mens Prescriptions seldom tie the living where Conscience awes not those that are intrusted Mortui non mordent which gives to humane frailty a seeming uncontrouled power of such Injustice To trust to Vows or Oaths is equal hazard he that will wound his Soul with one can wave the other If Vertue Goodness and Religion tye not a Death-bed Charge and solemn Oaths are fruitless Here you may see it instanc'd This great King as wise as fortunate living had the Obedience of a Father and a Soveraign who scarcely cold in his Mother Earth was soon lost in the memory both of Son and Subject His Funeral-tears the fruits of form rather than truth newly dryed up and his Ceremonial Rites ended his Heir assumes the Crown and Scepter while all mens eyes were fixed to behold the first Virgin-works of his Greatness so many glorious and brave victorious Conquests having given this Warlike Nation life and spirit fit for present Action The youthful King being in the bravery of his years won a belief in the active Souldier that so apt a Scholar as he had shew'd himself in the Art Military during the Scotish Wars would handsel the Maiden-head of his Crown with some Out-ringing Larum that might waken the Neighbour-Provinces and make them know his Power But his inglorious Aims were bent another way neither to settle his own or conquer others He had within his breast an unnatural Civil War which gains the first preheminence in his Resolution His care is to quiet these in a Course wholly unjust and most unworthy his proper goodness Seeing himself now free and absolute he thinks it not enough unless his Will as well as his Power were equally obey'd Being a Son and a Subject his Conformity had witness'd his Obedience being now a Soveraign and a King he expects a Correspondence of the self-same nature The sad Restrictions of his dying Father so contrarious to his aims trouble his unquiet thoughts where the Idea of his absent love did hold so firm a footing With ease he can dispence with his own engagement but fears the Lords whom he conceits too firmly fixt to waver He dares not Communicate the depth of his Resolution being a secret of too great weight to be divulged he thinks intreaty an act too much beneath him and to attempt at random full of hazard In these his restless passions he out-runs the Honey-month of his Empire looking asquint upon the necessary Actions of State that requir'd his more vigilant care and foresight This kind of reclus'd behaviour makes him unpleasant to his Lords and nothing plausible to the inferiour sort of Subjects who expect the beginning Acts of a Crown to be affable and gracious which wins ground by degrees on vulgar Affections making the way sure to a willing Obedience But he esteems this as a work of Supererogation believing the bare Tye of Duty was enough without confirmation all his thoughts are entirely fixt upon his Gaveston without him he cannot be yet how to get him handsomly without a Scar is quite without his knowledge He concludes it in his secret Revolutions too great an Injustice that confines the King from the free use and possession of his nearest and dearest Affection and cannot imagine it to be reason that his private Appetite should subscribe to publick necessity In these kind of imaginary Disputations he brings himself to the height of such an inward agitation that he falls into a sad retired Melancholy while all men as they justly might wonder'd but few did know the reason Amongst these a Page of his Chamber one that had an oyly tongue a fit instrument for such a Physician adventures the care of this diseased Passion This green States-man with a fore-right look strives rather to please than to advise caring not what succeeds so he may make it the Stair of his Preferment The Court-corruption ingenders a world of these Caterpillers that to work their own ends value not at one blow to hazard both the King and Kingdom The Errour is not so properly theirs as their Masters who do countenance and advance such Sycophants leaving the integrity of hearts more honest that would sacrifice themselves in his Service in the true way of Honour wholly contemn'd and neglected which hath begotten so many desperate Convulsions that have as we may finde in our own Stories deposed divers glorious Kings from their proper Dignity and lawful Inheritance There are too many frequent Examples what mischief such Parasitical Minions have wrought to those several States they liv'd in and certainly such Revolutions succeed by a necessary and inevitable Justice for where the Royal Ear is so guided there ensues a general Subversion of all Law and Goodness as you may behold here evidently in this unfortunate King who willingly entertains this fawning Orator that thus presents his Counsel Are you a King Great Sir and yet a Subject can you Command and yet must yield Obedience Then leave your Scepter The Law of Nature gives the poorest their Affections are you restrained It is your own Injustice that makes your Will admit this separation if you command who dares controul your Actions which ought to be obeyed and not disputed Say that your wayward Lords do frown or murmur will you for this forbear your
own Contentment One rough Majestick glaunce will charm their anger Admit great Edward did command Obedience he then was King your Sovereign and your Father he now is dead and you enjoy his Power will you yet still obey and serve his shadow His Vigour dull'd with Age could not give Laws to suit your Youth and Spirit nor is it proper that the Regal Power be made a stranger to his own Contentment or be debarr'd from inward Peace and Quiet Did you but truely know what 't is to be a Monarch you 'ld be so to your self as well as others What do you fear or what is it restrains you A seeming Danger more in shew than substance Wise men that finde their aims confin'd to hazard secure the worst before they give them action You have a Kingdoms Power to back a Will to guide it Can private fear suggest to shake it Alas they cannot if your self were constant Who dares oppose if you command Obedience I deny not if you be faint or stagger you may be crost and curb'd by that advantage that gives their moving-heart shew of Justice You understand your self and feel your Passions if they be such as will not brook denial why do you dally or delay to right them The more you paise your doubts the more they double and make things worse than they or are or can be appearing like your self these clouds will vanish and then you 'll see and know your proper errour Will you vouchsafe my trust I 'll fetch him hither whose absence gives you such a sad distraction You may the while secure his entertainment with such a strength may warrant your proceedings 'T were madness to ask leave to act Transgressions where Pardon may be had when they are acted If you do seek consent from your great Barons they 'll dare deny which is nor fault nor Treason and in that act you foil your hopes and action which gives their opposition shew of Justice But 't is in vain to plead the grounds of Reason since 't is your Will must give the resolution If that be fixt there needs no more disputing but such as best may bring it to perfection When this smooth Physician had prescribed so fit a Balsamum for so foul a Wound the King seems infinitely pleased in his relation he had hit his desires in the Master-vein and struck his former Jealousie between wind and water so that it sunk in the instant his love-sick Heart became more free and frolick which sudden mutation begat as great a wonder The Operations of the Fancy transport sometimes our Imagination to believe an actual possession of those things we most desire and hope for which gives such a life to the dejected Spirits of the Body that in the instant they seem cloathed in a new Habit. Such was the condition of this wanton King that in this bare overture conceits the fruition of his beloved Damon and apprehends this Golden Dream to be an essential part of his fantastique Happiness He heaps a world of promises and thanks on the Relator letting him know he waits but a fitting opportunity to give this project life and action It is a politique part of Court-wisdome to insinuate and lay hold of all the befitting opportunities that may claw the Prince's humour that is naturally vain-glorious or vicious there is not a more ready and certain way of advancement if it do shake hands with Modesty and appear with an undaunted impudent boldness He that will be a Courtier and contains himself within the modest temperance of pure Honesty and not intrude himself before he be called may like a Sea-mark serve to teach other men to steer their Course while he himself sticks fast unmoved unpitied All the Abilities of Nature Art Education are useless if they be tyed to the links of Honesty which hath little or no society in the Rules of State or Pleasure which as they are unlimited walk in the by-way from all that is good or vertuous If this Butterfly had truly laid before his unhappy Master what it had been to break the Injunctions of a dying Father to falsifie such Vows and Oaths so solemnly sworn and to irritate the greatest Peers of the Kingdom with so unworthy an action which had been the Duty of a Servant of his Masters Honour truely careful he had felt the Reward of such plain dealing either with Scorn Contempt or Passion whose flattering falsehood wins him special Grace and Favour and gains the title of an able Agent Some few days pass which seem'd o're long before the King exacts a second tryal In the interim to take away all jealousie he enters into the business of the Kingdom and with a seeming serious care surveys each passage and not so much as sighs or names his Gavaston doubting if in his way he were discovered there might be some cross-work might blast his project He knew how easie 't was if once suspected to take away the Cause might breed a difference What could so poor a stranger do that might protect him against or publick Force or private Mischief either of which he knew would be attempted before the Lords would suffer his reprisal When all was whisht and quiet and all mens eyes were fixed upon the present he calls his trusty Roger to his private presence and after some Instructions throws him his Purse and bids him haste he knew his Errand The wily Servant knows his Masters meaning and leaves the Court pretending just occasion proud of imployment posting on his Journey The King having thus far gone must now go onward he knew that long it could not be concealed such actions cannot rest in sleepy silence which made him think it fit to be the first Reporter This makes him send and call his Council who soon are ready and attend his Summons where he makes known the fury of his Passions and tells the way that he had taken to ease them So strange an act begets as great a wonder they unà voce labour to divert him and humbly plead his Fathers last Injunction to which their Faiths were tyed by deep Engagement They urge the Law that could not be dispens'd with without a publick breach of his prescription They speak the Vows and Oaths they all had taken which in consenting would make them false and perjur'd This working nothing they entreat him he would a while adjourn his resolution time might happily finde out a way might give him content and yet might save their Honours His jealous fear suspects this modest answer a temporizing must increase his sorrow while they so warned might work a sure prevention Being thus at plunge he strives to make it sure and win his Will or loose his Jurisdiction Though he were naturally of a suspicious and timerous Nature yet seeing now the interest of his Power at stake on the success of this Overture he lays aside his effeminate disposition and with angry Brow and stern Majesty doth thus discourse
his pleasure Am I your King If so why then obey me lest while you teach me Law I learn you Duty Know I am firmly bent and will not vary If you and all the Kingdome frown I care not You must enjoy your own affections I not so much as question or controul them but I that am your Sovereign must be tutor'd to love and like alone by your discretion Do not mistake I am not now in Wardship nor will be chalkt out ways to guide my fancy Tend you the Kingdoms and the publick Errours I can prevent mine own without Protection I should be loth to let you feel my Power but must and will if you too much enforce me If not Obedience yet your Loves might tender a kinde consent when 't is your King that seeks it But you perhaps conceit you share my Power you neither do nor shall while I command it I will be still my self or less than nothing These words and the manner of their delivery bred a strange distraction in which he flings away with a kinde of loose scorn for their refusal his valiant heart had yet his proper motions which tost it to and fro with doubtful hazard They sadly silent sit and view each other wishing some one would shew undaunted Valour to tye the Bell about the Cats neck that frights them but none appears They yet were strangers to their own party and the Kings conditions Their late dead Master's ways were smooth and harmless as free from private Wrongs as publick Grievance which had extinguisht all pretence of Faction and made them meet as Friends without assurance this wrought them with more ease to treat the business each one doth first survey his own condition which single could do little and yet exprest might cause his proper ruine next they measure the Kings Will and Power with his Command against which in vain were contestation where wants united strength to make it sure Lastly they examine what could at worst ensue in their consenting since it was as possible to remove him being here as stop his coming The King advertised by a private Intelligencer a fit instrument in the body of a State in the Society and Body of a Council of their staggering irresolution and finding his Pills had so kinde an Operation lays hold of the advantage and would not let the iron cool before he wrought it This brings him back with a more familiar and mild look and begets a discourse less passionate but more prevailing Temperately he lays before them the extremity of his inward trouble which had so engrost his private thoughts that he had been thereby enforced to estrange himself from them and neglected the Rights due to his Crown and Dignity He lets them know the depth of his engagement which had no aim repugnant to the Publick Good nor intention hurtful to their proper Honours and to conclude he intreats them if any of them had been truely touch'd with a disease of the same quality that they would indifferently measure his Condition by their own Sufferings So fair a Sun-shine following at the heels of so sharp a Tempest wrought a sudden innovation their yielding hearts seek to win Grace rather than hazard his Displeasure yet to colour so apparent a breach of Faith to their dead Master they capitulate certain Conditions which might seem to extenuate if not take off the stain of their dishonour as if matter of circumstance had been a sufficient motive for the breach of an Oath so solemnly and authentically sworn The King resolv'd to purchase his peace whose price was but verbal is nothing sparing to promise all and more than was demanded which they credit over-hastily though they could not be so light of belief as to imagine that he would keep his Word with the Subject that wilfully incurs a Perjury against his own Father yet in case of necessity it was by general consent agreed rather to subscribe than to endanger the Peace of the Kingdom by so unkinde and unnatural a division The King giving to each of them particular thanks having thus plaid his Masters prize departs wondrously content and jocund they seem outwardly not displeased that had obtain'd as much as they could desire and hoped the end would be fair if not fortunate The eye of the world may be blinded and the severity of humane Constitutions removed but so great a Perjury seldome escapes unpunished by the Divine Justice who admits no dalliance with Oaths even in the Case of Necessity as it evidently appears in the sequel of this Story where you may behold the miserable ruine that his principal and efficient cause had from this beginning It had been far more honourable and advantageous to the State if this young wanton King had point-blank found a flat denial and been brought to have tugg'd at the arms end the injustice of the quarrel which might in time have recollected his senses and brought him to the true knowledge what a madness it was for the loose affection of so unworthy an Object to hazard his own Dignity and alien the Love of the whole Kingdom But it is the general Disease of Greatness and a kinde of Royal Fever when they fall upon an indulgent Dotage to patronize and advance the corrupt ends of their Minions though the whole Society of State and Body of the Kingdom run in a direct opposition neither is Reason Law Religion or the imminency of succeeding danger weight enough to divert the stream of such inordinate Affections until a miserable Conclusion give it a fatal and just Repentance It were much better if with a provident foresight they would fear and prevent the blow before they feel it But such melancholy Meditations are deemed a fit food for Penitentials rather than a necessary reflection for the full stomack of Regal Authority The black clouds of former Suspicion being thus vanish'd nothing now wants to make perfect the Royal Desires but the fruition of this long-expected purchase The smooth Servant that had so pleasingly advised was not less careful in the execution of his promise He knew haste would advance the opinion of his Merit this makes him soon out-run his Journey and finde the Star of his directions to whom he liberally relates the occasion of his coming which he confirms by the delivery of his Masters Letter wherein was drawn to the life the character of his Affection and the assurance of his safety and intended promotion Gaveston being ravish'd with so sweet and welcome a relation entertains it with as much joy as the condemned Prisoner receives his Pardon at the place and hour of Execution His long-dejected Spirits apprehend the advantage of so hopeful an opportunity and spur him on with that haste that he hardly consents to one nights intermission for the repose of this weary Messenger No sooner had the Mornings-Watchman given his shrill summons of the approaching Day-light but he forsakes his weary Bed and hastens straight to
Horseback and being not well assured of his reception in the Kingdom being a banish'd man by so Juridical a Sentence he esteems it too weak an Adventure to expose himself to the hazard of the Road-way where he might with ease be intercepted This leads him to disguise himself and seek a secret passage which he as readily findes all things concurring to improve his happiness if he had had judgment and temper enough to have given it a right use Every minute he esteems ill lost till he might again be re-enfoulded in the sweet and dear embraces of his Royal Master Time that out-runs proud Fate brings him at last to the end of his desires where the interview was accompanied with as many mutual expressions as might flow from the tongues eyes and hearts of long-divided Lovers This pair thus again re-united the Court puts on a general face of Gladness while wiser heads with cause suspect the issue They esteem it full of danger to have one man alone so fully possess the Kings Affections who if he be not truely good and deep enough to advise soundly must often be the cause of Error and Disorder This strange piece had neither Nobility of Birth Ability of Brain or any Moral Goodness whereby they might justly hope he would be a stay to the unbridled youth of their Sovereign A precedent experience during the Government of their dead Master had given them a perfect knowledg that he was more properly a fit instrument for a Brothel than to be the Steersman of the Royal actions yet there was now no prevention they must hope the best and attend the issue Edward having thus regained his beloved Favourite could not shadow or dissemble his Affection but makes it eminent by the neglects of the State-affairs and the forgetfulness of the civil and ordinary Respect due to his great Barons They wait contemn'd and cannot gain the threshold while this new Upstart's courted in the Royal Chamber This kinde of usage won a sudden murmur which calls them off to close and private Meetings there they discourse their Griefs and means to right them they sift each way might break this fond inchantment or lessen this great light obscured their lustre When they had canvast all the Stratagems of State and private workings they deem'd it the most innocent and fair way to win the King to marry the interest of a Wife was thought the most hopeful inducement to reclaim these loose affections that were prostituted without or sense or honour she might become a fit counterpoise to qualifie the Pride of such a swelling greatness The major part soon jump in this opinion the rest are quickly won that fear'd the sequel On this they all together present themselves and their request and shew the reasons but touch not the true ground why they desired it After some pawse the King approves their motion yet bids them well consider it was the greatest Action of his life which as it principally concern'd his particular Contentment so did equally reflect on the general Interest of the whole Kingdom If they could find him out such a Wedlock as might adde Strength and Honour to the Crown and be withal suitable to his liking he would readily embrace it and value it as a blessing So fair a beginning encourageth them to move for Isabel the French Kings Daughter one of the goodliest and fairest Ladies of that time The King readily inclines to have it treated on which an honourable Embassage is sent to make the motion They are nobly receiv'd and willingly heard that bare this Message and the Conditions easily reconciled to a full Agreement This brings them home with a like noble Company fully authorized to receive the Kings consent and approbation This Conclusion thus made sends our new Lover into France to fetch his Mistriss where he is received like himself feasted and married with a great deal of Joy and Pleasure The Solemnity ended and a Farewel taken he hastens homewards returning seised of a Jewel which not being rightly valued wrought his ruine Infinite was the joy of the Kingdom evident in those many goodly expressions of her Welcome The excellency of so rare a Beauty could not so surprize the heart of this Royal Bridegroom but that he was still troubled with the pangs of his old Infirmity It was in the first Praeludium of his Nuptials a very disputable Question whether the Interest of the Wife or Favourite were most predominant in his Affections but a short time discovers that Gaveston had the sole possession of his Heart and Power to keep it To level their conditions and make the terms betwixt them more even he tyes this fair bullock in a yoke of the same nature marrying him to a lovely branch of the house of Gloucester whose noble heart struggled infinitely yet durst not contradict the Kings Injustice He holds his blood disparag'd by so base commixtion To take away that doubt the new-married man is advanced to the Earldom of Cornwal and hath in his Gift the goodly Castle and Lordship of Wallingford so that now in Title he had no just exception and for conditions it must be thought enough his Master loved him To shew himself thankful and to seem worthy of such gracious favour Gaveston applies himself wholly to the Kings humour feeding it with the variety of his proper appetite without so much as question or contradiction Not a word fell from his Sovereign's tongue but he applauds it as an Oracle and makes it as a Law to guide his actions This kinde of juggling behaviour had so glewed him to his Master that their Affections nay their very Intentions seem'd to go hand in hand insomuch that the Injustice of the one never found rub in the consent of the other If the King maintain'd the party the servant was ever fortunate his voice was ever concurrent and sung the same Tune to a Crochet The discourse being in the commendation of Arms the eccho stiles it an Heroick Vertue if Peace it was an Heavenly Blessing unlawful Pleasures a noble Recreation and Actions most unjust a Royal Goodness These parasitical Gloses so betray'd the itching ear that heard them that no Honour or Preferment is conceited great and good enough for the Relator A short time invests in his person or disposure all the principal Offices and Dignities of the Kingdom the Command of War and all Military Provisions were committed solely to his care and custody all Treaties forraign and domestick had by his direction success or ruine nothing is concluded touching the Government or Royal Prerogative but by his consent and approbation In the view of these strange passages the King appear'd so little himself that the Subjects thought him a Royal Shadow without a Real Substance This Pageant too weak a Jade for so weighty a burden had not a brain in it self able enough to manage such great Actions neither would he entertain those of ability to
door give not his inconstant thoughts time to vary but command their Antagonist off to a third Banishment He deprived of heart and strength is enforced to obey having not so much liberty as to take a solemn Farewel Now is he sent for Flanders the Jurisdiction of the Kings Dominions are esteem'd no fit Sanctuary to protect so loose a Liver They leave him to prey and practice on the Dutch whose Caps steel'd with Liquour had reeling Craft enough to make him quiet This passage bred a supposition that he was now for ever lost the King made shew as he were well contented and men were glad to see this storm appeased that seem'd to threaten an intestine ruine This Happiness was but imaginary but it is made perfect by one more real Windsor presents the King an Heir apparent which happy News flies swiftly through the Kingdom which gives it welcome with a brave expression The Royal Father did not taste this Blessing with such a sense of Joy as it deserved Whether 't was his misgiving Spirit or the absence of his lost Jewel he sadly silent sighs out the relation such a deserving Joy could not win so much as a smile from his melancholy Brow grown old with trouble The appearance of his inward agitation was such that the greatest enemies of his Dotage were the most compassionate of his Sufferings Such a masculine Affection and rapture was in those times without president where Love went in the natural strain fully as firm yet far less violent If the circumstances of this passionate Humour so predominant in this unfortunate King be maturely considered we shall finde them as far short of possibility as reason which have made many believe that they had a supernatural operation and working enforc'd by Art or Witchcraft But let their beginning be what it will never was man more immoderately transported which took from him in this little time of his third absence the benefit of his Understanding and Spirits so fully that he seems rather distracted than inamour'd more properly without Reason than ability to command it In the circumference of his Brain he cannot finde a way to lead him out of this Labyrinth but that which depended more of Power than Wisdome Bridle his Affections he could not which were but bare embryons without possession alter them he cannot where his eye meets not with a subject powerful enough to engage him what then rests to settle this civil discord but restitution which he attempts in spight of opposition Gaveston comes back the King avows and bids them stir that durst He would protect him Princes that falsifie their Faiths more by proper inclination than a necessary impulsion grow not more hateful to forreign Nations than fearful and suspected to their own Subjects If they be tainted with a known Guilt and justifie it 't is a shrewd presumption of a sick State where the Head is so diseased A habit of doing ill and a daring Impudence to maintain it makes all things in a Politique Wisdome lawful This Position in the end cosens the professor and leaves him in the field open to shame and infamy And it stands with reason for if Vertue be the Road-way to Perfection the corruption of a false Heart must certainly be the path to an unpitied ruine The enraged Barons seeing great Cornwal return are sensible of their dishonour and think it too great a wrong to be dispens'd with yet they will have the fruit of their revenge through-ripe before they taste it He appears no Changeling but still pursues the strains of his presumption The actions of Injustice seldom lessen Progression is believ'd a moral Vertue He that hath a Will to do ill and doth it cannot look back but on the Crown of mischief This makes him not disguise his conceptions but shew them fully having withal this excellent Vertue that would be never reconciled where he once hated The Lords observing his behaviour think time ill lost in so weighty a business they draw their forces together before the King could have a time to prevent or his abuser to shun it The gathering together of so many threatning Clouds presag'd the Storm was a coming Gaveston labours to provide a shelter but 't was too late the time was lost that should assure the danger All that he could effect by his own strength or the Royal Authority he calls to his assistance but such was the general distaste of the Kingdom he could not gain a strength might seem a party The Court he knew would be a weak Protection against their Arms whose Tongues had twice expell'd him This made him leave it and with such Provision as so short a time could tender commit himself to Scarborough-Castle This Piece was strong and pretty well provided but prov'd too weak against so just a Quarrel His noble Enemies being inform'd where they should finde him follow the track and soon begirt this Fortress He seeks a Treaty they despise Conditions knowing he none would keep that all had broken All hope thus lost he falls into their power from whom he had no cause could hope for mercy The Butterflies companions of his Sun-shine that were his fortunes friends not his forsake his Winter and basely leave him in his greatest troubles The tide of Greatness gain'd him many Servants they were but hangers on and meer Retainers like Rats that left the house when it was falling The Spring adorn'd him with a world of Blossoms which dropt away when first they felt this Tempest Forsaken thus this Cedar is surpriz'd and brought to know the end of such ambition The Prey thus tane short work concludes his story left that a Countermand might come to stop their Verdict Gaverseed is made the fatal place that sacrific'd his life to quench their fury Thus fell the first glorious Minion of Edward the Second which appearing for a time like a Blazing-star fill'd the world with admiration and gave the English cause to blame his fortune that liv'd and died nor lov'd excus'd or pitied In the wanton Smiles of his lovely Mistriss he remembers not that she was blinde a â—iglet and a Changeling nor did he make himself in time a Refuge might be his Safeguard If she had prov'd unconstant constant such a Providence had made the End as fair as the Beginning But these same towering Summer-birds fear not the Winter till they feel it and then benumb'd they do confess their Errour Height of Promotion breeds Self-love Self-love Opinion which undervalues all that are beneath it Hence it proceeds that few men truely honest can hold firm Correspondence with so great a Minion his ends go not their ways but with Cross-capers which cares not how so these attain perfection Servants that are confin'd to truth and goodness may be in shew but not in trust their Agents He that will act what Pride and Lust imposeth is a fit Page to serve so loose a Master Hence it proceeds that still
they fall unpitied and those they chuse for Friends do most supplant them To secure an ill-acquired Greatness that is begot with envy grows in hatred as it requires judgment claims a goodness to keep it right and grave direction Those that are truely wise discreet and vertuous will make him so that pursues their counsel upon which Rock he rests secure untainted But this is Country-Doctrine Courts resent not where 't is no way to thrive for them are honest A Champion-Conscience without bound or limit a Tongue as smooth as Jet that sings in season a bloudless Face that buries guilt in boldness these Ornaments are fit to cloath a Courtier he that wants these still wants a means to live if he must make his Service his Revenue He that a Child in Court grows old a Servant expecting years or merit should prefer him and doth not by some by-way make his fortune gains but a Beard for all his pains and travel unless he 'll take a Purse and for reward a Pardon Though many rise it is not yet concluded they all are of so base corruption which would produce a sudden Ruine The greater Peers by birth inherit fit place in this Election The Kings favour or their intercession may advance a deserving Friend or Kinsman extraordinary Gifts of Nature or some Excellency in knowledg may prefer him that enjoys them all these beams may shine on men that are honest But if you cast your eye upon the gross body of the Court and examine the ordinary course of their gradation it will plainly appear that twenty creep in by the back-gate while one walks up by the street-door But leaving those to their fortune and that cunning conveyance must guide their Destiny when the sad tidings of this unhappy Tragedy came to the Kings ears his vexations were as infinite as hopeless and his Passion transports him beyond the height of sorrow which leads him to this bitter Exclamation Could they not spare his Life O cruel Tygers What had he done or how so much offended He never shed one drop of harmless blood but saved thousands Must he be sacrificed to calm their anger 'T was not his fault but my affection caused it which I 'll revenge and not dispute my sorrow They if I live shall taste my just displeasure and dearly pay for this their cruel errour Till now I kept my hand from blood and fatal actions but henceforth I will act my Passions freely and make them know I am too much provoked Blood must have blood and I will spend it fully till they have paid his wandring Ghost their forfeit And thou O sweet Friend whom living I so loved from thy sad Vrn shalt see thy wrong requited Thy Life as I mine own did dearly value which I will loose but I 'll repay their rigour This said he withdraws him to his melancholy Chamber and makes himself a Recluse from the Day-light His manly tears bewray his inward sorrow and make him seem to melt with height of Passion He could not sleep nor scarce would eat or speak but faintly which makes him living dye with restless torment His lovely Queen not sorry that this bar was taken away which stopt the passage betwixt her Husbands Love and her Affections is truely pensive at this strange distraction which seem'd without the hope of reconcilement His nearer Friends amazed to see his Passion resolve to set him free or loose his favour boldly they press into his Cell of darkness and freely let him know his proper errour They lay before him how vain a thing it was to mourn or sorrow for things past help or hope of all redemption His greatness would be lost in such fond actions and might endanger him and eke the Kingdom If he but truely knew what desperate murmurs were dayly whisper'd by his vain distemper he would himself appear to stay the danger and to excuse the Barons act so hateful they touch upon the Earls intemperate carriage which threatned them and all the Kingdoms ruine they shew his insolence and misbehaviour which having Honour so far above his birth and Wealth above his merit was ne're contented Lastly they tell him plainly unless he would resume more life and spirit they fear'd the Subject would make choice of one more able The unworthy touches of his Minion though but sparingly given nipt him to the Soul but when he heard the Tenour of their last Conclusion it rows'd him up for fear of Deposition This brings him forth in shew and look transformed but yet resolv'd not to forget this Trespass The Operations in his heart were not so great and weighty but that his Lords were full as close and wary So fair a warning-piece gave them their Summons in time to make a strength might keep them sure They cannot now recoyl or hope for favour their Arms must make their Peace or they must perish These circumstances made them preserve so well a respected distance that well the King might bark but durst not bite them He was resolv'd 't is true but not provided and therefore holds it wisdome to be silent the time he hop'd would change and they grow careless when they should know such wrongs are not forgotten But now brave Lincoln one of the principal Pillars of the Barons Faction follows his adversary to the grave but with a milde and fairer fortune This reverend piece of true Nobility was in Speech and Conversation sweet and affable in resolution grave and weighty his aged temper active and valiant above belief and his Wisdome more sound and excellent in inward depth than outward appearance When those pale Harbingers had seized his vital Spirits and he perceived the thought of Life was hopeless he gives Thomas of Lancaster his Son-in-Law this dying Legacy My Son quoth he for so your Wedlock makes you hear and observe these my last dying Precepts Trust not the King his Anger sleeps but dyes not he waits but time which you must likewise tender else in the least neglect be sure you perish Make good my place among the Lords and keep the Kingdom from foul Oppression which of late is frequent Your Soveraign cares not how the State be guided so he may still enjoy his wanton Pleasures have you an eye to those that seek to wrong him be not deceived with his sugar'd language his heart is false and harbours Blood and Mischief Keep your selves firm and close being well united you are secure he will not dare to touch you If he again fall on a second Dotage look to it in time 't will else be your confusion His Minions Death lies in his heart concealed waiting but time to act revenge and terrour he shadows o're but cannot hide his Malice which fain would vent it self but yet it dares not If I had lived he must have changed his copy or one of us had felt a bitter tryal yet still beware you take not light occasion or make the publick ends
for private Passion He is your Sovereign you must so obey him unless the Cause be just enforc'd your moving If he himself do swerve or raise combustion the Kingdoms good must give your Arms their warrant short time will let you know your own condition however do not trust the sleepy Lion I knew his ways and could as well forestal them but now I must resigne it to your wisdom Of this be sure remember my Prediction if he relapse and make a new Vice-gerent which shall leap o're your heads and you endure it The King You or the Kingdom must perish My wearied Soul would fain embrace his freedom and now my Spirits yield to Death and Nature Commend me to my noble Friends and Fellows and say Old Lincoln liv'd and died their Servant Lancaster whose noble heart was before-hand season'd receives willingly these grave Instructions and like a good Steward locks them up in the closet of his heart till time call'd upon him to give them life and action and yet he suffers not this goodly Tree to fall before assured He vows observance and as truely keeps it but erring in the time it wrought his Downfal Beginning Evils are easily supprest which grown to strength if cleans'd are cur'd with danger Twigs may be broken younger Plants removed but if once they grow Trees their Fall is fatal Things standing thus and all mens minds in suspence what would be the issue between the enraged King and jealous Lords the indifferent friends of either Party that fear'd this unkinde Division would shake the Peace and Tranquillity of the Kingdom propounded divers Overtures of reconcilement which are neither readily accepted nor absolutely refused The Kings Meditations were more fixed on Revenge than Conference yet seeing into the Quality of the time and into the suspected Affections of the Kingdom is won at length to admit of a Treaty The Barons truely rellishing the Tickle-terms they stood on which were pinn'd to the mutability of popular Faction were not estranged from the thoughts of Peace though they would not seek it Intercession and importunacy of the Mediators brings it at length to the upshot where there was such an inveterate spleen and so great an antipathy in Wills it is not thought fit to hazard this great Work on a private discussion where Recapitulations of old Wrongs or the apprehension of new Indignities might shake the Foundation The High Court of Parliament the gravest Senate of the Kingdom that had an over-ruling Power to limit the King and command the Subject is deemed the most Honourable place of this Enterview where a business of so great weight would be gravely discours'd which might assure the end and make it more authentical Whereupon it is immediately call'd and in short space assembled at London where after many interchangeable Expostulations diversly handled by the pregnant Wits and nimble Tongues of either Party a settled Agreement is concluded and many excellent Laws are enacted which both the King and Peers are sworn to maintain and keep inviolate By these discreet means the violence of this great Fire is rak'd up in the Embers which in after-times breaks out with greater rage and fury whatsoever the hidden Resolutions were the Kingdom now seem'd in a fair way to settle Peace and Quiet But a new and unexpected Accident varies this Conceit before it was cold and calls them from private Actions to maintain the Honour and Revenue of the Kingdom Edward the First that brave and valiant Monarch had thrice with his victorious Arms run through the Bowels of Scotland and brought that stubborn Nation that deny'd him Fealty and Homage into an absolute Subjection Their last precedent King Robert le Bruce had tryed the height of his fortune and with a fruitless opposition won no more than the loss of his Kingdom and his own Expulsion The Conqueror finding himself quitted of this Obstacle takes upon him the Regiment of this Kingdom with a double string to his Bow the one of antient Title the other of Conquest The Nobility of Scotland and all the inferiour Ministers of State seeing the great Effusion of Bloud spent in this Quarrel which continued seemed to threaten a general devastation of their Country submit themselves to the English Government and are all solemnly sworn to obey it Edward thus in possession confirms it by seizing the property of all the Royal Jurisdiction into his own hand removing such Officers as were not agreeable to his will and liking and giving many goodly Estates and Dignities to divers of his faithful Servants that had valiantly behaved themselves in this Service The Form of Government by him established was peaceably obey'd and continued during his Life neither was it questioned in the beginning Government of his unhappy Successor But the wary Scots more naturally addicted to a Phoenix of their own Nation seeing into the present dissentions and disorders of the Kingdom thought it now a fit time to revolt to their old Master who like a crafty Fox harbours himself under the French Kings protection the antient receptacle and Patron for that Nation No sooner is he advertised that the gate was open and unguarded and that his well-affected Subjects wished his return but back he comes and is received with a full applause and welcome All Oaths Obligements and Courtesies of the English are quite cancell'd and forgotten and this long-lost Lion is again re-invested in the Royal Dignity As-soon as he had moor'd himself in a domestique assurance he then like a provident Watchman begins to raise a strength that might oppose all forreign Invasion which he foresaw would thunder from the Borders This Martial Preparation flyes swiftly to the King and Council of England where it appears like a great Body upon a pair of Stilts more in bulk than the proportion of the strength that bare it The Pillars of the State which wisely foresaw how great an inconvenience it would be to suffer such a Member to be dissever'd that in the contestation with France would make the War a Mattachine or Song of three parts perswade their Sovereign it was not proper for his Greatness to suffer such an unworthy subversion of his Fathers Constitutions and to loose the advantage of so fair a part of his Revenue Edward that had outslept his native glory had yet a just compunction of this dishonour which seem'd to rob him of a portion of his Inheritance purchased at too dear a value He lays by his private rancour and settles himself to suppress this sudden and unlookt-for Commotion waking from that sensual Dream which had given him so large a cause of Sorrow Scarcely would he give his intentions such an intermission as might attend the levy of his Army which he had summoned to be ready with all speed and expedition The jealous Lords startled with this Alarum conceiting it but some trick of State to catch them napping they suspect these Forces under pretence of publick action might be prepared to
plot a private mischief The King they knew was crafty close and cunning and thought not fit to trust too far to Rumour This makes them stand upon their guard and keep Assemblies pleading for warrant the self-same ground of rising But when their Spies in Court had given them knowledge that all was sure they need not fear their danger and that they dayly heard the Northern clamour that ecchoed loudly with the Scotish motions they draw their Forces to the King 's who thus united in person leads them to this hopeful Conquest But forehand-reckonings ever most miscarry he had those hands but not those hearts which fought his Fathers fortune Scarce had he past and left the English Borders but he beholds an Army ready to affront him not of dejected Souls or Bodies fainting but Men resolv'd to win or dye with Honour Their valiant Leader heartens on their Courage and bids them fight for Life Estate and Freedome all which were here at stake which this day gains or makes hereafter hopeless Edward that expected rather submission or some honest Terms of agreement finding a Check given by a Pawn unlook'd for plays the best of his game and hopes to win it He contemns their condition and number slighting their Power and in the memory of his Father's Conquests thinks his own certain But the success of Battles runs not in a Bloud neither is gained by Confidence but Discretion and Valour No one thing hurts more in a matter of Arms than Presumption a Coward that expects no mercy is desperate by compulsion and the most contemptible Enemy proves most dangerous when he is too much undervalu'd You may see it here instanc'd where a rabble multitude of despised Blue-caps encounter rout and break the Flower of England Eastriveline doth yet witness the fatal memory of this so great Disaster There fell brave Clare the Earl of Gloucester the valiant Clifford and stout Mawle with above Fifty Knights and Barons This bloudy day which had spilt so great a shower of Noble bloud and cropt the bravest Blossoms of the Kingdom sends the King back to Barwick with a few straggling Horse whose well-breath'd speed out-run the pursuing danger So near a Neighbourhood to so victorious an Enemy is deemed indiscretion where the Prize was believ'd so richly worth the Venture This sends away the melancholy King jaded in his hopes and dull with his misfortune If we may judge by the Event the Condition of this man was truely miserable all things at home under his Government were out of rule and order and nothing successful that he undertook by forraign Employment but where the Ground is false the Building cannot stand He planted the foundation of his Monarchy on Sycophants and Favorites whose disorderly Proceedings dryed up all that sap that should have fostered up the springing Goodness of the Kingdome and made him a meer stranger to those Abilities that are proper to Rule and Government Kings ought to be their own Surveyors and not to pass over the whole care of their Affairs by Letter of Atturney to another mans Protection such inconsiderate actions beget a world of mischief when there are more Kings than one in one and the self-same Kingdom it eclipseth his Glory and derogates from his Greatness making the Subject groan under the unjust Tyranny of an insolent oppression No man with such propriety can manage the griefs and differences of the Subject as the King who by the Laws of God Men and Nature hath an interest in their Heart and a share in their Affections When they are guided by a second hand or heard by a Relator Money or Favour corrupts the Integrity and over-rules the course of Justice followed at the heels with Complaint and Murmur the Mother of Discontent and Mischief The unexpected return of the General of this ill-succeeding Enterprize filled the Kingdom with a well-deserved Sorrow and is welcom'd with a News as strange though not so full of danger Poydras a famous Impostor a Tanners Son and born at Exeter pretends himself with a new strain of Lip-cousenage to be the Heir of Edward the First by a false Nurse chang'd in his Cradle for the King now reigning All Novelties take in the itching ears of the Vulgar and win either belief or admiration This Tale as weak in truth as probability was fortunate in neither only it exalts this imaginary King to his Instalment on Northampton-Gallows where he ends the hour of his melancholy Government with as strange a Relation which suggests That for two years space a Spirit in the likeness of a Cat had attended him as the chief Groom of his Chamber from whom in many secret Conferences he had received the truth and information of this Mystery with assurance it would bring him to the Crown of England It was as great a fault in the Master to believe as for the Servant to abuse yet the desire of the one to change his Tanfat for a Kingdom was not much out of square nor the Lying of the other since he continued but his trade which he had practis'd from the beginning It is a foul offence and oversight in them that have not Devils of their own to hunt abroad and seek where they may gain them by purchase If it be a mystery of State to know things by Prediction of such vertuous Ministers methinks they were much better kept as this Tanner kept his rather as an houshold-Servant than a Retainer which may in time bring them to a like Preferment Such Agents may seem Lambs but in the end they will be found as savage as Tygers and as false as the Camelions Till now our wanton King had never felt the true touch of a just grief but mens misfortunes alter their impressions he inwardly and heartily laments his own dishonour yet strives to hide and conceal his Sorrow lest those about him might be quite dejected It was a bitter Corrosive to think how oft his Royal Father had displaid his victorious Colours which knew not how to fight unless to conquer How often had he over-run this Neighbour-Nation and made them take such Laws as he imposed How many times had he overthrown their greatest Armies and made them sue they might become his Subjects The memory of this doth vex his Spirits and makes him vow Revenge and utter Ruine He calls to Council all his Lords and Leaders and lays before them antient Glory of the Kingdom the late Misfortune and his proper Errours and lastly his desire to right his Honour They glad to hear the King in the sense of so general a disgrace touch'd with so noble a strain do spur it on before it cool'd or the Scots should grow too proud of their new Glory The former Loss had toucht so near the quick that there is now a more wary Resolution Dispatches are sent out for a more exact and full provision a mature Consideration is thought necessary before it come to action York
passages made them entertain this War with less heat but with a more solid judgment Barwick they knew was strong by Art and Nature and fully provided to hold the English play till Want and the Season of the Year did make them weary This made them leave the road-way and continue the War more by Discretion than Valour But during these passages the Divine Justice sends down the other three fatal executioners of his wrath Plague Dearth and Famine no part is free but hath his portion of one or all of these so cruel Sisters To make this misery more perfect the wylie Scots taking the advantage of the King 's fruitless encamping before Barwick like a land-flood over-run the naked Borders and boldly march forward into the Country with Fury Blood and Rapine The stuff that should stop this breach was absent with the King so that they finde no rub in their eruption The Arch-Bishop of York a Reverend Old man but a young Souldier able enough in his element but ignorant in the Rules of Martial Discipline resolves to oppose this unruly devastation he straightways musters up his Congregations and gives them Arms that knew scarce use of Iron Soon had his example collected up a multitude in number hopeful but it was composed of men fitter to pray for the success of a Battle than to fight it With these and an undaunted Spirit he affronts his Enemies and gives them an encounter making Milton upon Swale more memorable by the blood of this Disaster His Victorious and Triumphing Enemies christned this unhappy Conflict in derision The white Battle Many Religious-men with loss of their Lives purchas'd here their first Apprentiship in Arms and found that there was a dangerous difference betwixt fighting and praying The intent of this grave Bishop was certainly noble and worthy but the act was inconsiderate weak and ill-advised It was not proper to his Profession to undertake a Military Function in which his hope in reason answer'd his experience neither did it agree with the Innocency and Piety of his Calling to be an actor in the effusion of Blood though the quarrel were defensive but by compulsion But questionless he meant well which must excuse his action Too great a care improperly exprest doth often loose the cause it strives to advantage In all deliberations of this nature where so many Lives are at stake there should be a deep foresight even in matter of circumstance and the quality as well of our own as of our adversaries duely considered else with a dangerous errour we leave the success to the will of Fortune who in nothing is more tickle and wanton than in the event of Battles which are seldom gain'd by multitude the Mother of Confusion To be a General is an act of greatness and doth require a great and perfect Knowledge ripe by Experience and made full by Practice It is not enough to dare to fight which is but Valour but to know how and when which makes it perfect Discretion and Judgment sometimes teach advantage which make the weight being light the scale more even I will not deny but the most expert Leader may have all these and yet may loose a Battle since as all things are this great designe is guided by a Divine Providence and many Accidents may happen betwixt the Cup and the Lip while things are in action But he that hath a well-grounded and warrantable reason for his Engagement may lose the day and yet preserve his Honour Wise-men do censure Errours not Events of Actions which shew them good or bad as they be grounded The News of the Defeat of this Spiritual Army like the voice of a Night-raven had no sooner croakt his sad eccho in the King's ear but he straight raiseth his Army weaken'd with Famine and lessen'd with Sickness The prigging Scots seeing his going off judge his Retreat little better than a plain flight which gave them heart to set upon the fag-end of his Troops which they rout and break to the astonishment of the whole Army This done they return and think it honour enough they had done the work they came for The King doubles his pace homewards instead of Triumph glad he had got loose from so imminent a danger This blank return fill'd the Kingdom with a fretting murmur and forreign Nations thought their Valour chang'd who had so oft before o'recome this Nation Mated with grief opprest with shame and sorrow Edward exclaims against his wayward Fortune that made his Greatness like the Crab go backward while he seeks to improve the opinion of his worth he impairs and grows still leaner and when he shuns a taint he findes a mischief Sadly he now resolves no more to tempt her he lays aside his Arms for harms to feed his humour His Vanities companions of his Greatness had slept out the night of these combustions he now awakes them with a new assurance they should possess their former mansion His wandring eyes now ravage through the confines of his great Court made loose by his example Here he seeks out some Piece or Copper-metal whom by his Royal stamp he might make currant He findes a spacious choice being well-attended but 't was by such as made their tongues their fortunes Vain-glory here found none to cure it and the sick heart ne're felt the touch of Wormwood The Agents were compos'd of the just temper as was the spring that gave their tongues their motion such an harmonious Consort fits the Organ that lov'd no flats nor sharps or forc'd division No language pleas'd the King the Servants know it but that which was as smooth as Gold new burnisht Old antient truth was like a thread-bare Garment esteem'd a foul disgrace to cloath a Courtier Sincerity was no fit Master for these Revels nor honest Plainness for a seat in Council This made this King this Court and glorious Kingdom fall by degrees into a strange confusion The Infidelity of Servants cloathed in hypocrisie betrayes the Master and makes his misery greater or less dangerous according to the qualities of their employments It is an excellent consideration for the Majesty of a King in election to reflect on Goodness Truth and Ability for his attendance more than the natural parts or those that are by Art and Cunning made pliable to his Disposition The first prove the props of Greatness the other the instruments of Danger and Disorder which makes the Master at best pitied but most commonly hated and suspected Neither is it safe for the Royal ear to be principally open to one mans information or to rely solely on his judgment Multiplicity of able Servants that are indifferently if not equally countenanced are the strength and safety of a Crown which gives it glory and lustre When one man alone acts all parts it begets a world of errour and endangers not only the Head but all the Members Edward could not but know that a new President over his
Royal actions must make his Subjects his but at a second hand yet he is resolv'd of a new choice of such a Favourite as might supply and make good the room of his lost beloved Gaveston hence sprung that fatal fire which scorcht the Kingdom with intestine Ruine He was put to no great trouble to seek a forreign Climate he had variety of his own that might be easily made capable enough for such a loose employment He had a swarm of Sycophants that gap'd after greatness and cared not to pawn their Souls to gain promotion amongst these his eye fixt on Spencer a man till then believ'd a naked States-man he was young and had a pleasing aspect a personage though not super-excellent yet well enough to make a formal Minion The Ladder by which he made his ascent was principally thus he had been always conformable to the King's Will and never denied to serve his appetite in every his ways and occasions which was vertue enough to give him wealth and title Some others think this feat was wrought by Witchcraft and by the Spells of a grave Matron that was suspected to have a Journey-man Devil to be her Loadstone which is not altogether improbable if we behold the progression for never was Servant more insolently fortunate nor Master unreasonably indulgent Their passages are as much beyond belief as contrary to the Rules of Reason But leaving the discourse of the Cause the King applauds his own Workmanship and doats infinitely on the Non-age of this Imposture which seeing the advantage labours to advance it and though in his own nature he were proud harsh and tyrannous yet he cloaths himself in the habit of Humility as obsequious to his Master as smooth and winning to his Acquaintance knowing that a Rub might make the Bowl fall short while it was running Heat of Blood and height of Spirit consult more with Passion than Judgment where all sides are agreed quick ends the bargain Spencer must rise the King himself avows it and who was there durst cross their Sovereigns pleasure The resolution known like flocks of Wild-geese the spawn of Court-corruption fly to claw him The great ones that till now scarce knew his Off-spring think it an honour to become his Kinsmen The Officers of State to win his favour forget their Oaths and make his Will their Justice Lord how the Vermin creep to this warm Sun-shine and count each Beam of his a special Favour Such a thing is the Prologue of a beginning Greatness that it can Metamorphose all but those that hate it The King though he were pleased with this new structure yet his inward revolutions were not altogether free from agitation He beheld the Lords and Kingdom now quiet and the Scotch Tragedy worn out of memory he was not without cause doubtful whether this new Act might not cause a new Distraction He calls to minde the ground of his first troubles and found it had with this a near resemblance He looks upon the sullied State scarce cleansed and fear'd this leap might cause a new pollution These thoughts like misty vapours soon dissolved and seem'd too dull to feed his Love-sick fancy His hatred to the Barons bids him freely venture that in their moving he might so oppress them which on cool blood might seem too great Injustice Gaveston's Death lay in his heart impostum'd not to be cur'd but by a bloody issue From this false ground he draws his proper ruine making Phantasms seem as deeds were acted Such Castles in the Air are poor Conceptions that sell the Skin before the Beast be killed The Barons were no Children he well knew it the hope was little might be got with striving where all the Kingdom was so much distasted but he priz'd high his own contemning theirs which wrought their Death and after his Misfortune Being resolv'd to countenance his Will with more haste than advisement He honours the subject of his choice with the Lord Chamberlain's place professing freely he thought him worthy and would maintain him in it This foreright jump going so high made all men wonder and soon suspect him guilty of some secret vertue Scarce had this new great Lord possession of the White-staff but he forgets his former being and sings the right Night-crow's tune of upstart Greatness and follows his Predecessors pattern to the life but with a far more strength and cunning He was not born a stranger or an alien but had his Birth and breeding here where he is exalted and though he had not so much depth to know the Secrets yet understands the plain-Song of the State and her progressions which taught him his first Lesson That Infant-greatness falls where none support it From this principle his first work is employ'd to win and to preserve an able party To work this sure he makes a Monopoly of the Kings ear no man may gain it but by his permission establishing a sure intelligence within the Royal Chamber not trusting one but having sundry Agents who must successively attend all motions By this he wedgeth in his Sentinels at such a distance that none can move but he receives the Larum The first request he makes his Sovereign who ne're denied him was that he would not pass a Grant till he survey'd it for this he makes a zealous care the cover left by such Gift the Subject might be grieved the King abused This stratagem unmaskt gave perfect knowledge who ever leapt the Horse he held the Bridle which rein'd his foes up short while friends unhors'd them and raised as he pleased all such as brib'd or sought him To mix these serious strains with lighter objects he feeds the current of his Sovereign's Vices with store of full delights to keep him busied whilst he might act his part with more attention He quarrels those whom he suspects too honest or at the least not his more than their Masters and quickly puts them off that there may be entry for such as he prefers his proper creatures so that a short time makes the Court all of a piece at his Commandment Those whom he fear'd in State would cross his workings he seeks to win by favour or alliance if they both fail he tenders fairly to lift them higher by some new promotion so he may have them sure on all occasions and with these baits he catcht the hungry Planets Such as he findes too faithful for surprisal these he sequesters mounting his Kindred up to fill their places The Queen that had no great cause to like those Syrens that caus'd her grief and did seduce her Husband he yet presumes to court with strong professions vowing to serve her as a faithful Servant She seeing into the quality of the time where he was powerful and she in name a Wife in truth a Hand-maid doth not oppose but more increase his Greatness by letting all men know that she receiv'd him To win a nearer place in her opinion he gains his Kindred places
next her person and those that were her own he bribes to back him The Court thus fashion'd he levels at the Country whence he must gain his strength if need enforc'd it Here he must have an estate and some sure refuge this he contrives by begging the Custody of divers of the principal Honours and Strength of the Kingdom But these were no inheritance which might perpetuate his Memory or continue his Succession He makes a Salve for this Sore and to be able to be a fit Purchaser of Lands by the benefit of the Prerogative he falls a selling of Titles in which it was believ'd he thriv'd well though he sold many more Lordships than he bought Mannors by this means yet he got many pretty retiring places for a younger Brother within the most fertil Counties of the Kingdom This for the Private now to the Publick he makes sure the principal Heads of Justice that by them his credit might pleasure an old Friend or make a new at his pleasure If in this number any one held him at too smart a distance prizing his integrity and honour before so base a traffique he was an ill Member of State and either silenc'd or sent to an Irish or Welsh Employment It is enough to be believ'd faulty where a disputation is not admitted The Hare knows her ears be not horns yet dares not venture a Tryal where things must not be sentenc'd as they are but as they are taken The Commanders that sway most in Popular Faction as far as he durst or might without combustion he causeth to be conferr'd oâ— his Friends and Kindred and above all things he settles a sure Correspondence of Intelligence in all the quarters of the Kingdome as a necessary leading president he fills the peoples ears with rumour of forreign danger to busie their brains from discoursing Domestick Errours and sends out a rabble of spying Mercuries who are instructed to talk liberally to taste other mens inclinanations and feel the pulses of those that had most cause to be discontented For the antient Nobility which was a more difficult work to reduce to conformity laying aside the punctilio's of his greatness he strives to gain them as he won his Master but when he found them shy and nice to make his party he slights them more and more to shew his Power and make them seek to entertain his favour And to eclipse their Power by birth and number he findes the means to make a new Creation which gave the Rabble-Gentry upstart Honours as Children do give Nuts away by handfuls yet still he hath some feeling of the business Lastly he wins the King to call his Father to the Court who with the shoal of all his Kin are soon exalted while he makes all things lawful that correspond his Will or Masters Humour He thus assuming the administration of the Royal affairs his Master giving way to all his actions the incensed Lords grown out of patience appoint the rendevouz of a secret Meeting at Sharborough where they might descant their griefs with more freedom yet with such a cautelous Secrecy that this Harpy with his Lyncean eyes could not perceive their anger Assoon as they were met Thomas of Lancaster the most eminent of this Confederacy in a grave discourse lays before them the Iniquity of the time the Insolency of this new Ganymede and the Kings intemperate wretchlesness which made the Kingdom a prey to all manner of Injustice Hereford adviseth that they should all together petition the King that he would be pleased to look into the Disorders and grant a Reformation Mowbray Mortimer and the rest soar a higher pitch which Clifford thus expresseth My Lords It is not now as when brave Lincoln lived whom Edward fear'd and all the Kingdom honoured Nor is this new Lord a Gaveston or naked Stranger that only talkt and durst not act his Passions We now must have to do with one of our own Country which knows our ways and how to intercept them See you not how he weaves his webs in Court and Country leaving no means untryed may fence his greatness And can you think a verbal Blast will shake him or a set Speech will sink his daring Spirit No he is no fantastick Frenchman but knows as well as we where we can hurt him his Pride is such he 'll ne're go less a farding but he must fall a key or we must ruine Women and Children make their tongues their Weapons true Valour needs no words our wrongs no wrangling Say this unconstant King hear our Petition admit he promise to redress our Grievance this sends us home secure and well-contented until the Plot be ripe for our destruction If you will needs discourse your cause of Grievance be yet provided to make good your errour a wise man gets his guard then treats Conditions which works a Peace with ease and more assurance All Treaties vain our Swords must be our warrant which we may draw by such a just compulsion those ready then attempt your pleasure and see if words can work a Reformation I am no tongue-man nor can move with language but if we come to act I 'll not be idle Then let us fall to Arms without disputing We 'll make this Minion stoop or dye with honour This rough Speech uttered with a Souldier-like liberty by one so truly noble and valiant inflam'd the hearts of such as heard them They concur all in a general approbation and thereupon they fall to present Levies Mortimer a brave young active Spirit with his Retinue gains the maiden-head of this great Action He enters furiously upon the possession of the Spencers spoiling and wasting like a profest enemy This outrage flies swiftly to the owners and appears before them like Scoggins crow multipli'd in carriage They assoon make the King the sharer of their intelligence and increase it to their best advantage Edward sensible of so audacious an affront thought it did yet rather proceed from private spleen than publick practice which made him in the tenderness of the one and malice to the other by Proclamation thus make known his pleasure That the Actors of this misdemeanour should immediately appear personally and shew cause whereby they might justifie their Actions or forthwith to depart the Kingdom and not to return without his special License When the tenour of this Sentence was divulged and come to the knowledge of the Confederate Lords they saw their interest was too deeply at stake to be long shadow'd In the obedience of such a doom the primitiae of their Plot must receive a desperate blemish They therefore resolve as they had begun so to make good and maintain the quarrel they reinforce their Forces and draw them into a body strong enough to boulster out their doings and to bid a base to the irresolute wanton King and his inglorious Favourite whose Platforms were not yet so compleat as that they durst adventure the Tryal of
so strong a Battery Yet the more to justifie their Arms which in the best construction seem'd to smatch of Rebellion they send unto the King a fair and humble Message the Tenor whereof lets him know that Their intentions were fair and honest and that the Arms thus levied were to defend his Honour and not offend his Person The Sufferings of the Kingdom were so deep and weighty that all was like to run to present ruine unless he would be pleas'd to cure this Feaver In all humility they desire he would sequester from his presence and their usurpt authority those Instruments which acted this disorder and that their doings might receive a test by a fair Tryal To this if he give way they would attend him with all the expressions of a Loyal Duty but if his heart were hardned for denial they then intreat his pardon that would not be Spectators of the general mischief which drew too swiftly on by this Distemper The King receiving so peremptory a Message thinks this fair gloss a kind of By-your-leave in spight of your teeth He saw readily how the Game went and was loath to strike the Hive for fear the Swarm should sting him Dearly he doted on his Minion yet conceiv'd it fitter he should a little suffer than they both should ruine which probably might soon ensue if they prevailed He had no power provided to withstand them nor was he sure that time would make it stronger the Lords were well belov'd their quarrel pleasing while he had nothing but the name of King might hope assistance Now he condemns bitterly his improvidence that had not secur'd his work before he acts it Spencer that saw himself thus quite forestalled and his great foresight in a manner useless since those whom he had made were but a handful and those of the poorer sort of weaker spirits that stow themselves in tempests under Hatches knew 't was too late to think of opposition and therefore perswades his irresolute Master to subscribe to the present necessity yet so that these angry Hornets might not be their own Carvers He knew or at least believ'd his faults were not yet Capital yet could not tell what construction might be given if those which were his enemies were admitted to be his sole Judges and therefore made rather choice to be at the mercy of a Parliament than at their disposing He was not without hope to be able to make an able party in this Assembly where at worst he knew he should be sentenc'd rather by spleen than fury This resolution by the King approved an answer is return'd to the Lords That his Majesty having examin'd the contents of their Petition found therein a fair pretext of Justice and reason and that if their allegations were such as were by them pretended himself would with as much willingness as they could desire joyn in the act of Reformation But for as much as private Passion maskt it self sometimes under the vail of publike grievance and particular ends had the pretext of general Reformation he thought it expedient to make this rather a Parliamentary work than the act of his Prerogative or their inforcement which was more for their proper Honours and the good of the whole Kingdom which resolution if they thought fit to entertain he wisht them to lay down their Arms which were the marks rather of an intended violence than a real desire of Justice that done in the knowledg of their approbation he would speedily cause his Summons to be sent out for the calling together of this great Assembly The reception of this answer was not displeasing to the Barons who desir'd those might be the Judges that had equally smarted with the stripes of this affliction yet they conceiv'd it not wisdom to disband their Forces on a bare supposition which could not be yet continued without too much charge and too great jealousie To reconcile this they divide themselves every one retaining to himself a guard sufficient to assure his Person and so dispose the rest that they might be ready on the least Item Things standing thus the Writs and Proclamations for Election are sent out in which there was as much time won as might be taken without suspition Now is there stiff labouring on all sides though not visibly yet with underhand working to cause a major part in this Election which the Lords wisely foreseeing as the main spring that must keep all the wheels in their right motion had beforehand so provided for that the engines of the adverse Party serv'd rather to fright than make a breach in the rule and truth of this Election The subjects sensible of the disorders of the Kingdom and seeing into the advantage which promis'd a liberty of Reformation make choice of such as for their wisdome and integrity deserv'd it rejecting such as fought it by corruption or might be in reason suspected This made the undertakers fall short and wide of the Bow-hand The day of appearance being come the jealous Lords would not rely so much on the King 's good Nature but that they come up like themselves bravely attended with several Crews of lusty Yeomen that knew no other way to win their Landlords favour but with Fidelity and Valour These for distinction and that they might be known all Birds of a feather are suited in Cassocks with a white guard athwart which gave this the name of the Parliament of white Bends Spencer seeing the Retinue of his Adversaries makes himself a Rampire of all his Servants Friends and Kindred The jealous Citizens that sometime look beyond their Shop-board seeing such a confluence from all parts of the Kingdom and so ill-inclin'd had a kinde of shivering phantasie lest while these strong Workmen fell a hammering the Corporation might become the Anvil The Mayor to prevent the worst doubleth the Guards and plants a strong Watch to keep the Gates and Suburbs Now according to the usual Custome the Speaker is presented and the King himself doth thus discourse his pleasure which they attend e're they begun this Session My Lords and you the Commons of the Nether-House I have at this time call'd you hither to crave your aid advice and best assistance I am inform'd my Subjects are abus'd and that the Kingdoms welfare dayly suffers such actions I maintain not nor will suffer Sift out the depth of this and finde the Authors which found I 'll punish as your selves think fitting A Kingdomes weight depresseth so his Owner that many faults may scape his eye unquestion'd your Body is the Perspicil that shews him what errours be and how he may prevent them which leads both King and Subject to a settled quiet Be not too curious in your inquisition which wastes but time and feeds diseased Passion nor may you make those faults that are not which savours more of Envy than of Justice Actions of State you may not touch but nicely they walk not in the Road of vulgar
Knowledge these are high Mysteries of private workings which fore-right eyes can never see exactly You cannot blindfold judge their form or substance As all times are believ'd these may be guilty yet let your Judgments make them so not private Fancy which is the Nurse that suckles up confusion So grave a Senate should not be the meeting where men do hunt for News to feed their malice Nor may you trench too near your Soveraigns actions if they be such as not concern the Publick You would not be restrain'd that proper freedom which all men challenge in their private dwellings My Servants are mine own I 'll sift their errours and in your just complaint correct their Vices Seek not to bar me of a free election since that alone doth fully speak my Power I may in that endure no touch or cavil which makes a King seem lesser than a Subject I know those I affect are more observed and Envy waits their actions if not Hatred 't were yet Injustice they for this should suffer or for my Love not their own Errours perish What one among you would not be exalted or be to me as he whom now you aim at Reason and Nature tye me to their limits else might you share it in a like proportion Ambition that betrays poor Mans Affections stares always upwards sees nothing beneath it till striving to o'rethrow some lofty Steeple it stumbling falls in some foul Saw-pit Perhaps the Court is guilty of some Errours the Countrey is not free from worse Oppressions yet these are wav'd as acts unfit your knowledge which rob and tear the poor distressed Commons who must be still possest my greater Agents are the contrivers of this publick mischief while you by these make good your proper greatness This should not be if you conceit it rightly 't is far from Justice and a due Proportion one man should fall and thousands stay unpunisht that are more guilty far of foul transgression If you would sift and with unpartial dealing sweep from the Kingdom such unjust Oppressors it were a work of goodness worth your labour would leave to after-times a brave Example But these Assemblies think those acts improper which may reflect upon the proper freehold of those that are most nice and apt to censure I now desire it is your Soveraign speaks it you will reform this kinde of strange proceeding prejudicate not any till you finde him faulty nor shoot your darts at one where more are guilty In such a number diversly affected there are I fear too many thus affected that this advantage fits their private rancour making the Publick Good the stale and subject which aims unvail'd at nought but Innovation These busie-brains unfit to be Law-makers let graver Heads restrain by their discretions else I must make them know and feel my Power I will support and still assist your Justice but may not suffer such a fond distemper Your Priviledge gives warrant speak in freedome yet let your words be such as may become you if they flye out to taint my Peace or Honour this Sanctuary may not serve to give Protection if so some discontent or ill-affected Spirit may challenge Power to vent a Covert Treason But your own Wisdomes I presume will guide you to make this such that I may often call you What more is fit or doth remain untouch'd you still shall understand in your progression wherein let Vertue lead and Wisdome rule your temper The King having ended the several Members of this goodly Body draw together where notwithstanding this grave admonition full of implicite direction they fall roundly to their business For forms-sake they a while discourse the petty Misdemeanors of the Kingdom to make a fairer introduction into the main end of their Assembly A few Balls being tost and bandied to and fro they begin to crack the Nut where the Worm lay that eat the Kernel No sooner was the Vote of the House discover'd but informations fly in like Points by dozens no business is discours'd which toucht the dishonour of the King the grief of the Kingdom or the oppression of the Subject but straight flies upward and makes a noise that all had one beginning The general thus far questioned the particulars come to a reckoning wherein Spencer is pointblanck charg'd with Insolency Injustice Corruption Oppression neglect of the publick and immoderate advancement of his own particular Those few faint friends he had gotten into this number more to express their own abilities than with a hope of prevailing hearing these thundering aspersions rise up to justifie or if that fall short to extenuate the faults of their glorious Patron but their Oratory prov'd just like the Cause they strive to defend full of apparent falshood Those nimbler spirits that haunt the Ghosts of corrupted greatness seek not to Vndermine this great Building whose structure had so hasty and rotten a Foundation but prove in reason justice and necessity that it ought to be Demolished since it was the Spring that polluted all the lesser Fountains The places of Judicature being still marted the Purchaser must sell his Judgements which was a commerce fit for those that had the worst and were most diffident The Simoniacal trading for Spiritual promotions as it dishonoured the dignity so it must exalt such as knew better how to share their Flocks than feed them Bartring of Honour for private lucre would ruine the glory of antiquity in blood and in another age as prodigal as this make Lords as common as Drovers Possession of so many great Offices as it was an injury to those of more deserving so might it in time become a Monopoly for every new-made Vpstart Setling the strengths and Military Provision in the command of One so much insufficient must open the way to foraign loss or domestick mischief Planting of the principal Officers of the Common-wealth by one mans corrupt distribution must bring all to his guidance and the Kingdom to confusion Admission of the Royal ear to one Tongue only ties all the rest and resembles the Councel-chamber to a School where Boys repeat their Lessons These passages discours'd and Aphorism'd at large in the House at the private Committee divers fouler suspitions and aggravations are treated with a greater freedom which being again with their several proofs reported before the whole Body by the general doom he is pronunced guilty This daring favourite seeing the violence of the Tide begins to fear it and letting his Anchor fall hulls out the full Sea in the Royal Harbour he strikes his top-sail yet contemns the Winds that cause the Tempest and quarrels with their Power must be his Judges This takes away all hope of reconcilement and more inflam'd their hearts that did pursue him They know he now must fall or they must ruine Lions may not be toucht till they be sure lest breaking loose they tear those Gins that catch them This consideration begets a solemn Messenger well attended with divers Seconds
just a quarrel The private end was now the thing in fashion the publique was forsaken as a monster The Commons whose home-bred looks are the true Index of all that dwells within and honest plainness do more than murmure out these oppressions They gape to catch the turning tide and would have moved but find no one would give them heart or leading Oft do they make attempts but yet discreetly to try if they could finde a staff to lean to but 't was in vain the Law was such a terrour that he that stirs and sticks was sure of drowning Now do the Learned Sages see their errour that hung themselves in Chains so great and many making a Lime-twig for each several feather now do they blame those Laws themselves enacted not like a Watch but as a Paper-Army to keep the good still in the worst condition as if the multiplicity had been the glory where Laws are made to catch not ease the subject If that great volume of the Law draw forth his engines what subject can untoucht escape his rigour Spencer that knew himself thus hated and that the general cry proclaim'd his baseness sinks not his height nor would go less a farding but makes his mischief like himself still foul but greater with reason yet suspects and fears the sequel His Mistris sate on thorns which made her startle he knows the Wheel would turn almost with touching This calls his Wits together and puts them on the rack for a Confession what was the way might best assure this danger The King 's weak humour naturally wanton he makes more vicious and apparent guilty hoping to make him alike hateful that in the Change they both might run one fortune A pretty Policy that makes it lawful to wound his Master that thereby he may scape the hand of justice or at the least may make the hazard equal The King he knew was too indulgent but not tender or of a heart enough to work the safety of his Servants as he observ'd in the Case of his Predecessor Gaveston and his own late experience To give him a more real engagement and pin himself fast by necessity he egges him on to all those actions that were more than most odious in practise and hateful in the eye of the subject feeding him in the mean time with a vain belief that the Kingdom was generally ill-affected and sought his deposition which there was no better way to repress than by holding them short and making severity rather than paternal love the Hand-maid of his Scepter In all the actions of State whatsoever carried a fair gloss or prov'd well he takes it upon his proper care and diligence if the success were ill or not prosperous it must be esteemed either the will weak advice or fortune of his Master in all complaints that spake unjust oppression he seemed to share the grief but made the cause the Kings not his which must obey him he guilds his proper actions o're with shews of kindness fullying the Royal with his grossest errours who sat and slept or winkt at these disorders This was the substance of his first conceptions but yet this was too weak to make a ground-work on which he might rely his false proceedings Time daily chang'd and new occurrents happen might win another faction to pursue him for to prevent this fear he fetcht a Compass and leaves the beaten way of blood and malice such of the great ones as were yet remaining and out of reason might be most suspected or did but cross his way by private practice he sends to feed the Worms and kiss their Mother who knew not her own Children so transformed When that the Blossomes dropt away the Gardens glory the season being sweet and mildly pleasant all men admir'd but quickly knew the reason some unkind hand had tainted that which fed them This was too much but yet he wades in deeper His Brain is subtle cunning wary an active stirring Wit a quick invention an heart grown proud in mischief full of falshood that dwelt within a conscience knew no bounder from these he hammers out another project that works upon the King as well as subject This hath two forms though of a different temper yet both resembl'd nearly in dependance The first must keep the Crown in fear the Kingdom busied with forraign danger or domestick trouble The second holds it still in want the Coffers empty to keep the subject poor as they supply it security in one might keep him careless and peace with plenty make the other wanton From these being marshal'd with a sound discretion he thinks the way was easie to assure his greatness within his brest alone was lockt the secrets of the prime Plots of State and waighty business the Councellors that were but meerly Cyphers knew but the strains of slight and vulgar motions he sat alone at Helm and steer'd the Compass which fancies in his thoughts a vain impulsion he must be still employ'd or all would ruine if in the agitations of the King or Kingdom puzzl'd with motions of the present danger he could assure each party from these Harpyes it needs must adde much to his faith and wisdome and make his station far more strong and sure the resty mindes that kick at present greatness may then turn Craven and approve his judgment he that conceits he could command the Planets doubts not to make such trifles light and easie His principles thus laid he falls to action with a loose scorn he continues the French correspondence slighting their Treaties and desire of Friendship the Marriage of a Sister was not powerful to set things right betwixt these Warlike Nations there was no open War but private grudges which made the State uncertain robb'd the Merchant heart-burning on all sides while both strain courtesie who should begin to set the balance even The Scots that were not sure but yet were quiet he irritates afresh for new combustions but this was done with such a neat conveyance that all men see the Smoke yet feel no Fire And to the Lords at home that stood spectators he pares off from his greatness some few chippings and gives them here and there to feed their longings that they might thus be still if not contented he gives away his female Kindred for new Friendship and makes the Portion great though nothing yet in Title which turn'd the world backward in appearance while January and June were dancing Trenchmore Those fixed stars that mov'd not with this Comet but kept aloof and did preserve their distance these he contemns and scorns with such proud usage that they may seek his grace or seem to threaten some jealous danger to his fearful Master Great Impositions daily are divulged and some imposed are not fully levied to make the Commons fear not feel their ruine No circumstance is left that but induced to make the Soveraign fear the subject hate him The King whose Arms ne'er thriv'd but in the conflict
had trod upon his foot that well he knew the danger The King's intentions known brings him together all the remaining bravery of the Kingdom they knew that there was Money store to pay the Souldier which gives him life to fight and seek occasion The cream of all this strength must guard his Person the other fill the Rere and make the Vantguard with these he marcheth forward and invadeth Scotland making that Nation justly fear the sequel But whether it were the Infidelity of those about him the Will of him that is the Guide of Battles or the proper destiny of this unfortunate King this great Preparation produced no effect answerable to the general expectation he is enforc'd to retire without doing any one act worthy his Memory or the greatness of such an Expedition The wary Scots that had kept themselves in their Strengths and places of Advantage seeing the Storm almost past follow aloof off and in a watch'd opportunity set upon the tail of his Army surprizing all his Stuff and Treasure This loss sends him home to entertain a defensive War which came from the Coast he least expected whether justly or to transfer the guilt of his own unhappiness upon the treachery or falshood of another The new-made Earl of Carlile is accused condemned and put to a shameful execution The grounds against him were probable not certain howsoever he was believed to have attempted like Judas the sale of his Master which must be taken a sole motive of the inglorious retreat of this so brave an Army The principal reason that may lead us to the opinion that he was guilty may be taken from the solemnity of his Tryal and the severity of the Sentence which upon so grave and full a hearing depriv'd him both of Life and Honour in a ceremonious way whereof till this there appears no former president His old friend Spencer whose ends he had faithfully served left him at plunge being as it seems well content now he had as he thought rooted his own greatness to be free of his Ambition which he fear'd might rather supplant than support it A common course of such as rise by their own or other mens corruption they love a while their props but after fear them when with some Dog-trick they pick some fain'd occasion private or publick for to send them packing If you survey it well it stands with reason for such as to serve their ends would act in baseness in the least change may do so for another that in appearance must succeed his fortune besides where the reward seems shorter than the merit fills one with grief the other with suspition which two can never long hold correspondence and Kings themselves that do abet the Treason do seldome love but always fear the Traytour But now old quarrels sleep here comes a new one that usher'd on the way to Edwards ruine The French King Lewis being dead John next succeeds him a Prince youthful and hot full ripe for action He privately informed of the ill usage of his Sister and that the King was wholly led by his proud Minion whose actions witness'd he was ill-affected to hold firm Peace but with his own conditions thinks it fit time to break the League which had so weak assurance On this he makes an attempt upon the Frontiers of Guien and sends a solemn Message he would no more continue Peace with England Edward that had not yet digested his Scotish Pills was much displeased to hear so curst a Declaration from a Brother Spencer the spring that gave this difference motion did little dream it would be his destruction he wisht these Princes might fall out and quarrel but yet not so that it should come to action He deem'd it not amiss his Soveraign Master should hear of War from France but not to feel it The French were of another minde they saw us beaten and discontent within our selves full of confusion which gave them hope the time would fitly serve them to reunite this Piece to her first Honour Thus Kings play fast and loose with their advantage affinity and Oaths are weak restrictions where Profit holds the Plough Ambition drives it Edward piercing narrowly into the danger taxeth bitterly the infidelity of his Brother and begins to examine his own condition whereby he might accordingly order his affairs either to entertain the War or embrace Peace the hopes whereof were not yet desperate He findes himself in the affections of his own fear'd and hated his Coffers emptied by the Scotish surprizal and the sinews of his late Parliamentary supplying shrunk in his Provision and prodigality a second supply unless conditional was doubtful the Kingdom was grown too wise to be again anticipated in election and lastly he calls to minde the severity of that misfortune that waited so his Military actions that the subjects were diffident of success where he was either General or a party In this distraction while he remains irresolute he seeks the advice of his Cabinet Councel the Closet of his secrets he thinks him alone worthy to communicate the depth of his misery and to give the resolution Spencer that had his underhand aims out of a virtuous modesty appears not till he is call'd which succeeding as he knew out of course and necessity it must pleads his own disability in an affair so great and weighty desiring his Majesty that his Father and the Chancellour might be admitted into this deliberation whose maturity of years and ripeness in knowledg might be rely'd on with more assurance The reason of this reply in shew full of wisdom and care had a Plot with two faces like the old description of Janus the one lookt upon his father and faithful Friend whom by this means he thought to advance in credit the other was more to countenance his own particular which had a part to play that must be as he thought his Master-piece No word of his sounds harshly nor sound contradiction in his Soveraigns ear who made his tongue a guide to lead his actions they are freely admited and fall to consultation where the condition of the present affairs is fully open'd and sundry propositions made to reconcile them but these all prove defective in some material point or other that according to the pack Spencer might hit the nail on the head and by their applause make his project more solid and authentical Ever since the breach that hapned between him and the Queen concerning Mortimer there had been a strong heart-burning and many distastful expressions of the ill inclination she bare him He knew her to be a Woman of a strong Brain and stout Stomack apt on all occasions to trip up his heels if once she found him reeling and was not without some discreet suspicion that she was as well contriving inward practice as she had been closely forward in the instigation of her Brother To make her sure and to pare her nails before she
a little colder till he had better sounded her intentions which by his Spies he could not so discover but that she seem'd as pure and clear as Crystal Yet Edward would not give consent she should be a gadding time past away she labours hard but fruitless till at length she found she was abused Guien must be rather lost than she should wander Her heart so strongly fix'd upon this Journey was torn as much with anger as with sorrow Reason at length o'recame her Sexes weakness and bids her rather cure than vent her Passion The opportunity thus snatch'd from her hopes she seems well pleased and glad to stay at home no inward motion seem'd to appear that might beget suspicion Spencer that was as cunning as a Serpent findes here a female Wit that went beyond him one that with his own Weapons wounds his Wisdome and taught him not to trust a Womans Lip-salve when that he knew her breast was fill'd with rancour When the nap of this Project was fallen off and Spencer with the King were seeking for some other bush to stop this gap her judgment was so fortunate as to pretend a Journey of Devotion to St Thomas of Canterbury which by her jealous Overseers being a Work of Piety is wholly unsuspected All things prepared by a faithful Messenger she gives her beloved Servant Mortimer knowledge of the time and her intention Then with the Prince her Son and Comfort that must be made the Stale of this great action she fearless ventures on this holy Journey The King was well content that she should be absent and pray to whom she would within the Kingdom Her jealous eyes so watchful had enforc'd him to take by stealth what now he gets in freedom Spencer is not displeased but well contented that wisht she would remain an absent Pilgrim A short time bringing her to the Shrine of her pretensions she makes as short a stay but hasteth forward Mortimer inform'd the Plot was now in action puts on his practice for a present tryal Some say that with a Sleeping-drink he charm'd his Keepers I rather think it Drink that made them sleepy Whatever 't was by this he stole his Freedom and slylie scapes away unseen untaken At the Sea-side he findes his Royal Mistriss and the young Prince prepar'd to go a Ship-board the Earl of Cane and Bishop of Hereford ready to attend them and he now comes to make the Consort perfect All things succeeding thus fortunately they loose no time but embarque and weigh their Anchor Winchelsey had the honour of their last farewel that did provide them shipping Their Sails hoist up the Heavens they finde propitious the blustering winds were quiet and Neptune bears them without a rugged brow of angry billows a pleasing fore-right Gale as kept of purpose fills up their Sails and brings them safe to Bulloigne Thus did our Pilgrims scape the pride and malice of him which little dream'd of this Adventure his Craft and Care that taught him all those lessons of Cunning Greatness here fell apparent short of all Discretion to be thus over-reach'd by one weak Woman For her Escape it skill'd not nor could hurt him it was the rising Son with cause he feared which who would have trusted with a Mother justly mov'd by their disorder Where now were all his Spies his fawning Agents that fed his ear with every little motion that did but crack within the Kingdom Now it Thunder'd they were asleep as was their Minion-Master else he would sure have seen and soon prevented so lame a Project that pac'd afoot so long a walk so softly But when the glorious power of Heaven is pleased to punish Man for his transgression he takes away the sense and proper power by which he should foresee and stop his danger This news flies swiftly to the King who entertains it with a sad heart as justly it deserved The Spencers with the Crue of their dependants are nettl'd with a tale that starts their greatness they think the Plot was surely laid that took so rightly and in the makers Wit condemn their Judgment that led them by the hand to what they acted Mortimer whom Spencer deadly hated was well ally'd and strong in Friends and Kindred he had a Cause in hand would win assistance when that a Queen and an heir apparent back'd it But now 't was past prevention 't is a vertue to make the best of that we cannot fly from Edward whose yielding heart at first misgave him grows sadly dull and seems to read his Fortune his melancholy thoughts have no impressions but such as were engrav'd within his conscience To take him off Spencer contemns the danger extenuating their best hopes which were but fixed upon the French a nation light and inconstant whom Money would take off if Force should fail him he tells him he had cause to smile not mourn that was so freed of such a Chamber-mischief that was more to be fear'd at home than with her Brother Lastly he prays him to be like himself a Monarch that well might bend and yet not yield to Fortune 't was now high time to order so his business that there might be no farther fear of danger Baldock the Chancellour sets to a helping hand to revive his Spirits which seemed so much dejected and briefly thus discours'd his better judgment Sir If you now should droop or shew a faintness when your occasions do expect your Valour your subjects will believe you know more danger than they or see or fear which must be followed with a dull coldness over the whole Kingdom which what it may enforce you may consider 'T is easie to o'recome a weak resistance which yielding fears the stroke before 't is coming but nobler hearts are ever most triumphant when they are round beset with greatest perils Alas what can the Queen a wandring Woman compass that hath nor Arms nor Means nor Men nor Money Think you her Brother will so back her passion as to expose himself to such a hazard France knows our Arms too well too much to tempt them or come within our distance in our dwellings admit he should what can he do to England which hath a wooden wall will wet his courage Lewis that had made him a sure Party within the Kingdom long before he landed when civil tumults had embroil'd our Forces found here so sharp and hotly curst a welcome as left your Predecessor soon his first possession he came in his own right and yet forsook it can you then fear they 'll venture for another or hazard War that look for no advantage Put case they do have you your Forces ready you need not fear the French or any other but you must then by your own sprightful carriage give life and courage to the Valiant Souldier that fights your Quarrel and his proper Honour like to a careful Steward still provided to give the new-come Guest a handsome Welcome And if I erre
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
protractions begins to doubt and fear there was some juggling yet bears it strongly with a noble Patience shewing no Discontent or least Suspicion hoping at worst that here in safety she and her Son might anchor out their troubles The Posts that daily fly 'twixt France and England had liberally inform'd the state of French Occurrents Spencer inform'd the gap was stopt on that side provides to quiet all at home if he could work it he sets upon the discontented Barons that hated him and envied more his Fortunes he courts their favour and imparts Promotions that might betray them more with shew than profit he makes the Gentry proud by giving Titles that feed ambitious mindes but not content them and takes off from the People light Oppressions but keeps afoot the greatest Grievance that kept them down from hope to shake his Greatness All sides do entertain it with a seeming gladness though well they knew it was enforced kindness While each part thus dissembles their intentions the Navie was call'd home a Charge was useless where was no fear might cause a forraign danger the Ports were open'd and the Watch surceased that day and night attended on the Frontier This haste as 't was too sudden wants assurance the rising Son was absent and still lookt for while the declining dipt his cheeks in darkness To ease this care the Queen is strongly tempted by such as seem'd her friends but were his Agents to reconcile her self unto her Husband whom henceforth she might rule as she thought fitting When this fell short she is at least intreated to send back her young Son the Kingdoms comfort which took it ill he should be made a Stranger or in the power of a forraign Nation These sweet enchantments move no whit her yielding that too well knew the Serpent that begat them her Son sent back they had the prey they lookt for and she must lack the prop must keep her upright This Project failing they fall upon a new one The King frames a Letter to his Holiness full of humility and fair obedience yet craving help and bitterly complaining that Isabel his Wife had fled his Kingdom pretending a meer Voyage of Devotion and had stoln away his Son his only comfort attended by a Crue of trayterous Rebels that strove to break the Peace of Christian Princes amongst which one being tane in actual Treason had escap'd his Prison by a lewd Inchantment whom he had cause to fear abus'd his Wedlock Lastly the French King his Alley and Brother received and kept them being often summon'd to desist and leave them The Pack of this complaint so well contrived was not opposed by the French King's Council who could be well content that by commandment their importuning Guests were fairly quitted Necessity would colour actions of unkindness if Houshold-Laws were broke or those of Nature This Letter runs from hence to Paris from thence to Rome by that same practick Agent that in this Interlude had won the Garland he bears a Picklock with him that must open the gates that were fast shut to guard the Conclave his first Arrival finds a fair reception Where Money makes the Mart the Market's easie These goodly gloses guilded o're with shadows must win belief where there was none to answer Had they been just and true the fact was odious and might in Justice challenge reformation it was enough that here it is believed so the Fact was fully proved the Reason smother'd The Cardinals that freely felt the English Bounty perswade the Pope it was both just and pious so great a Misdemeanour should be question'd that gave the Christian word so lewd Example On this flies out a present Admonition to the French King that straight he free his Kingdome of this his Sister-Queen and her Adherents on pain of disobedience Interdiction While this Device was moulding out of England the Queen receives a large but secret Summons that all her friends were ready to attend her with all things fitting on her first arrival more than the plagues of Egypt did oppress them which they nor could nor would endure longer they bid her hasten her return though her provision were not enough their Swords should fight her Quarrel She with a joyful heart receives this offer which like a precious Balm clos'd up the wounds of her sad thoughts made dull with her suspicion More to advance this weighty work declining she tells the King the tenour of this tender His clouded brow the character of Passion discover'd soon the signes of alteration which yet seem'd more of Pitie than of Anger he had but then read his Italian Summons which he plucks forth and casts his drooping Sister bidding her view and wisely there consider what danger he was in by her protection The amazed Queen when she beheld the Sentence in stead of help would rob her of her refuge she falls upon her knee imploring pitie if not to give her Aid to right her Honour which was eclipsed with so foul a Slander A showre of mellow tears as milde as April's thrill down her lovely cheeks made red with anger dearly she begs at least but so much respite until his Holiness might be informed her innocence was such sought no favour but that the Law should give upon full hearing She doth implore him that he would compare her adversaries malice with his cunning who not contented with her deep oppression sought to betray at once her Hope and Honour wrought with such art and such a close conveyance that here her Judgement had outrun her Tryal He nothing sorry for so fair a warrant that took him off from charge and future hazard and yet withal would cover such Unkindness seems to lament the cause and his condition that of necessity must yeeld obedience he could not for her sake at one blow hazard the danger of himself and his whole Kingdom Not to forsake her wholly he perswades her to entertain a Peace the King her Husband should yeeld to her Conditions he 'll effect it that had a power to force it in his denyal which he would venture if the World gainsaid it Let him quoth he then use you ill or not receive you I 'll make him know I can and will revenge it small time is left you to consider or dispute it advise with speed and let me know your answer The amazed Queen abandoned and forsaken relates at full this far unlookt-for passage unto the Bishop Cane and Mortimer their valiant hearts make good their Mistris sorrows and tell her they would set her right without the French-men bidding her not consent to her returning though it were soder'd up with showers of kindness she well enough did know her Husbands humour which would observe no Vow no Oath no Promise if Spencer once more seiz'd her in his clutches she should be surely mew'd and kept from Gadding Mortimer contains not in this strain his Passion but breaks into the
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
so far there is no Errour But when a flux of Torment follows Judgment which may be done in Speech as well as Action it gives too many Deaths to one Offender and stains the Actors with a foul dishonour To see such a Monster so monstrously used no question pleased the giddy Multitude who scarcely know the civil grounds of Reason the recollected Judgment that beheld it censur'd it was at best too great and deep a blemish to suit a Queen a Woman and a Victor Whether her Imposition or his patient Suffering were greater or became first weary he now is brought to give them both an ending upon a Gallows highly built of purpose he now receives the end of all his Torments the Cruelty was such unfit to be recorded Whether it were the greatness of his heart or it were broken he leaves the world with such a constant parting as seem'd as free from fear as fruitless plaining Four days are scarcely ended ere Arundel doth taste the self-same fortune Until the last Combustion I finde no mention in the Story of this Noble Gentleman neither could I ever read any just cause why his Life was thus taken from him unless it were a Capital Offence not to forsake his Master It was then a very hard case if it must be adjudged Treason to labour to defend his King and Soveraign to whom he had sworn Faith and Obedience suffering for preserving that Truth and Oath which they had all treacherously broken that were his Judges If it were deemed a fault deep enough to be taken in company with those that were corrupt and wicked I see yet no reason why he alone should suffer and those their other Creatures were permitted many of them unquestion'd some preferr'd and none executed But we may not properly expect Reason in Womens actions It was enough the incensed Queen would have it so against which was no disputing Her business thus dispatcht she comes to London where she hath all the Royal Entertainment due to her Greatness The Citizens do run and crowd to see her that if the Wheel should turn would be as forward to make the self-same speed to see her ruine Assoon as here she had settled her affairs and made things ready she calls a Parliament and sends forth Summons for the appearance which as soon ensued herein she makes her Husband seal the Warrant who God knows scarcely knew what she was doing but lived a Recluse well and surely guarded When this grave Assembly was come together the Errours and the Abuses of the Kingdom are laid full open which touch'd the King with a more insolent liberty than might well become the tongues of those which must yet be his Subjects Many ways of Reformation for forms sake are discussed but the intended course was fully before resolved yet it was fit there should be a handsome Introduction The issue at length falls upon the point of Necessity shewing that Edward by the imbecillity of his judgment and the corruption of his nature was unfit longer to continue the Government which was so diseased and sick that it required a King more careful and active as if the conferring it upon a green Youth little more than an Infant had been Warranty enough for these Allegations but they serv'd turn well enough where all were agreed and there was not so much as a just fear of opposition It ne're was toucht or exprest by what Law Divine or Humane the Subject might Depose not an Elective King but one that Lineally and Justly had inherited and so long enjoy'd it this was too deep a Mystery and altogether improper for their resolution A short time at length brings them all to one Minde which in a true construction was no more than a mere Politick Treason not more dangerous in the Act than in the Example The three Estates unà voce conclude the Father must be Deposed and his unripe Son must be Invested in the Royal Dignity Not a Lord Bishop Knight Judge or Burgess but that day left his Memory behinde him they could not else so generally have forgot the Oaths of their Allegiance so solemnly sworn to their old Master whom they had just cause to restrain from his Errours but no ground or colour to deprive him of his Kingdom who that day found neither Kinsman Friend Servant or Subject to defend his Interest It is probable he could not be so generally forsaken and not unlikely but that he had some in this Assembly well-affected which seeing the violence and strength of the Current knew their contestation might endanger themselves and not advantage him in his possession But this justifies them not neither in their Oaths Love or Duty which should have been sincere and eminent He that had here really express'd himself had left to Posterity an honourable Memorial of his Faith Worth and Valour Never will the remembrance of that stout and reverend Bishop dye who in the Case of Richard the Second exprest himself so honestly and bravely Civil respects though they deeply touch in particular warrant not the breach of publick engagements neither is it properly Wisdome but Craft infringeth the Laws of Duty or Honesty If that may be admitted what Perjury may not finde an excuse what Rebellion not a justifiable answer But it is clear there may not be a wilful violation of Oaths though it tend deeply to our own loss and prejudice The Resolution being now fully concluded that must uncrown this unhappy King divers of both Houses are sent unto him to make the Declaration who being come into his presence Trussel the Speaker of the lower House in the Name of the whole Kingdom makes a Resignation of all Homage and Fealty and then doth read the Sentence Edward that had been aforehand informed the better to prepare him had arm'd himself with as much Patience as his Necessity could give him with an attentive ear hears all full out which done he turns away without answering a word He knew it was in vain to spend time in Discourse or Contestation which must be the ready way to endanger his Life and in his consenting with a dangerous example to his Successours he had both their Power and his own Guilt made evident to Posterity which might have made the practice more frequent and familiar He had still a kinde of Hope that his Adversaries would run themselves out of breath when there would be both room and time to alter his condition Thus this unfortunate King after he had with a perpetual agitation governed this Kingdome eighteen years odde months and days lost it partly by his own Disorder and Improvidence but principally by the treacherous Infidelity of his Wife Servants and Subjects And it is most memorable an Army of three hundred Strangers entred his Dominion and took from him the Rule and Governance without so much as blow given or the loss of any one man more than such as perished by the hand of
Justice Though in a sinking Greatness all things conspire to work a fatal ruine yet in our Story this is the first president of this nature or where a King fell with so little Honour and so great an Infidelity that found neither Sword or Tongue to plead his quarrel But what could be expected when for his own private Vanities and Passion he had been a continual lover and a better of unjust actions and had consented to the Oppression of the whole Kingdom and the untimely Death of so many Noble Subjects It is certainly no less honourable than just that the Majesty of a King have that same full and free use of his Affections without Envy or Hatred which every private man hath in his oeconomick Government Yet as his Calling is the greatest such must his Care be to square them out by those same sacred Rules of Equity and Justice if they once transcend or exceed falling upon an extremity of Dotage or Indulgence it then occasions those Errours that are the certain Predictions of an ensuing Trouble which many times proves fatal and dangerous Let the Favourite taste the King's Bounty not devour it let him enjoy his ear but not ingross it let him participate his love but not enchant it In the eye of the Commonwealth if he must be a Moat let him not be a Monster And lastly if he must practise on the Subject let it be with moderation and not with rapine If in either of these there be an excess which makes the King a Monarchy to his Will and the Kingdom a prey to his Passion and the world take notice it be done by the Royal Indulgencie it begets not more hatred than multiplicity of errour which draw with them dangerous Convulsions if not a desperate ruine to that State where it hath his allowance and practice As there ought to be a limitation in the Affection of the one so ought there to be a like Curiosity in the quality of the other Persons of meaner condition and birth exalted above proportion as it taxeth the Kings Judgment impaireth both his Safety and Honour Neither is it proper that the principal Strengths and Dignities should be committed to the care and fidelity of one man onely such unworthy and unequal distribution wins a discontent from the more capable in ability and blood and carries with it a kinde of necessary impulsion still to continue his greatness else having the keys of the Kingdom in his hand he may at all times open the gates to a domestick Danger or a forreign Mischief The number of Servants is the Masters honour their truth and faculties his glory and safety which being severally employ'd and countenanced make it at one and the self-same time perspicuous in many and being indifferently heard do both in advice and action give a more secure discreet and safe form of proceeding Kings in their deliberations should be served with a Council of State and a Council of particular Interest and Honour the one to survey the Policy the other the Goodness of all matters in question both composed out of Integrity not Corruption these delivering truely their Opinions and Judgments it is more easie for him to reconcile and elect But when one man alone supplies both these places in private and publick all the rest follow the voice of the Drone though it be against their own Conscience and Judgment The Royal Glory should be pure and yet transparent suffering not the least eclipse or shadow which appears visibly defective when it is wholly led by a single advice never so grave and weighty let the projection if it be entertained have the teste of a Council but let the act and glory be solely the Kings which addes to the belief of his ability and more assures his greatness If the heart of Majesty be given over to the sensuality of Pleasure or betray'd by his proper Weakness or the cunning of him he trusteth yet let him not neglect the necessary affairs of a Kingdom or pass them over by Bills of Exchange to the providence of another In such an act he loseth the Prerogative of an absolute King and is but so at second-hand and by direction It is the Practique not the Theorique of State that wins and assures the Subject If the ability of that be confined or doubtful it estrangeth the will of Obedience and gives a belief of liberty to the actions of Disorder and Injustice Such an Errour is not more prejudicial in the Imbecillity than in the Example Royal Vanities finde a ready imitation so that it becomes a hazard that a careless King makes a dissolute Kingdom Mans nature is propensive to the worser part which it embraceth with more facility and willingness when it wins the advantage of the time and is led by so eminent a president From this consideration natural Weakness or temporary Imperfection should be always masked and never appear in publick since the Court State and Kingdom practise generally by his Example As in Affection so in Passion there are many things equally considerable I must confess and do believe that King worthy of an Angelical Title that could master these rebellious Monsters which rob him of his Peace and Happiness But this in a true perfection is to Flesh and Blood most impossible yet both in Divinity and Moral Wisdome t is the most excellent Master-piece of this our peregrination so to dispose them that they wait upon the Operations of the Soul rather as obedient Servants than loose and uncontrouled Vagabonds Where the Royal Passions are rebellious and masterless having so unlimited a Power his Will becomes the Law his hand the executioner of actions unjust and disorderly which end sometimes in Blood commonly in Oppression and evermore in a confused perturbation of the Kingdome The Warranty of the Law wrought to his temper not that it is so but that he must have it so justifies him not though he make a Legal Proceeding the justification of his Tyranny since the Innocency of the Subject seldome findes protection where the fury of a King resolves his ruine The rigour of humane Constitutions are to the Delinquent weighty enough let them not be wrested or inverted which makes the King equally guilty and the actor of his own Passions rather than those of Justice or Integrity He should on earth order his proceedings in imitation after the Divine Nature which evermore inclines more to Mercy than Justice Lives cannot being taken away be redeemed there ought then to be a tender consideration how they be taken lest the Injustice of the act challenge a Vengeance of the same nature As the quality of the act so is the condition of the agent considerable in point of Judicature wherein there may be sometimes those dependencies that it may be more honourable and advantageous to pardon or delay execution than to advance and hasten it howsoever it is the more excellent and innocent way to fall short of the better hand and
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
seems was his Crafts-master that this place was to him both fatal and ominous 'T was ill in him to seek by such ill and unlawful means the knowledge of that which being known did but augment his sorrow Whatsoever the cause was his arrival here makes him deeply heavy sad and melancholy his Keepers to repel this humour and to take him off from all fear and suspicion feed him with new hopes and pleasant discourse improving his former entertainment both in his Diet and Attendance while his misgiving spirit suspects the issue Though he would fain have fashion'd his belief to give them credit yet he had such a dull cloud about his heart it could receive no comfort The fatal Night in which he suffer'd shipwrack he eats a hearty Supper but stays not to disgest it immediately he goes to Bed with sorrow heavy assoon he takes his Rest and sleeps securely not dreaming of his end so near approaching Midnight the Patron of this horrid Murder being newly come this Crew of perjur'd Traitors steal softly to his Chamber finding him in a sweet and quiet Sleep taking away his Life in that advantage The Historians of these Times differ both in the time place and manner of his Death yet all agree that he was foully and inhumanly murther'd yet so that there was no visible or apparent signe which way 't was acted A small tract of time discovers the Actors and shews evidently that it was done by an extremity of Violence they long escape not though Mortimer's greatness for the present time keep them both from question and puishment yet by the Divine Justice they all meet with a miserable and unpitied Death and the Master-work-man himself in a few years after suffered an ignominious Execution The Queen who was guilty but in circumstance and but an accessory to the Intention not the Fact tasted with a bitter time of Repentance what it was but to be quoted in the Margent of such a Story the several relations so variously exprest of their Confessions that were the Actors and Consenters to this deed differ so mainly that it may be better past over in silence than so much as touch'd especially since if it were in that cruel manner as is by the major part agreed on it was one of the most inhumane and barbarous acts that ever fell within the expression of all our English Stories fitter rather to be pass'd over in silence than to be discours'd since it both dishonoureth our Nation and is in the Example so dangerous It seems Mortimer was yet a Novice to Spencer's Art of that same Italian trick of Poysoning which questionless had wrought this work as surely with a less noise and fewer agents It had been happy if such a Villany had never gain'd knowledge or imitation in the World since it came to be entertain'd as a necessary servant of State no man that runs in opposition or stands in the way of Greatness is almost secure in his own house or among his Friends or Servants I would to God we had not fresh in our Memory so many bleeding Examples or that this Diabolical Practice might stop his career with the Mischief it hath already done But so long as the close conveyance is deemed a Politick Vertue and the Instruments by Power and Favour are protected what can be expected but that in short time it must fall under the compass of a Trade or Mystery as fit for private Murtherers as Statesmen But leaving the professors of this execrable practice to their deserts and that guilt which still torments them Thus fell that unfortunate King Edward the Second who by the course of Age and Nature might have out-run many years had not his own Disorder the Infidelity of his Subjects and the Treachery of those that had deprived him of his Kingdome sent him to an untimely Death and Ruine Many Reasons are given probable enough to instance the necessity of his Fall which questionless may be the secondary means but his Doom was register'd by the inscrutable Providence of Heaven which with the self-same Sentence punish'd both him and Richard the Second his great Grandchild who was coequally guilty of the same Errours that both betrayed them and the Peace of their Kingdome Henry the Sixth though he tasted of the same Cup of Deposition yet there was more reason to induce it Henry the Fourth his Grandfather was an Usurper and had unjustly got the Crown by pulling down the House of York and exalting that of Lancaster which in Justice brings it back again to the right Inheritour yet were not those times innocent of those enormities which occasion'd their confusion It is most true that Henry himself was a sweet harmless condition'd Man religious and full of Moral Goodness but he was fitter for a Cloister than a Crown being transported with a Divine Rapture of Contemplation that took him off from the care of all Worldly Affairs while Margaret his Wife Daughter of Reynard that stil'd himself King of Naples and Jerusalem acted her part with a like imitation though she had not a Gaveston a Spencer or a Duke of Ireland yet she had a Suffolk and a Somerset that could teach the same way to the Destruction and Deposition of her Husband These three sympathized in their Royal Inheritance in their Depositions Deaths and Fortunes and these alone since the Conquest of the Normans unless we rank into the number Edward the Fifth which must be with an impropriety since he was by Richard his Tyrannical Uncle murdered before he was Crowned If we example him with them we may it is true conclude his case most miserable that lost the Crown before he enjoy'd it or had the perfection of years to make known his Inclination The event that followed the others especially the two precedent may be fitly a Caution and Admonition to Posterity and teach them what it is to hazard a Kingdome and their own Lives by the continuing of a wilful Errour Certainly we have had other Kings fully as vicious that have out-liv'd their Vices not dying by a violent hand but by the ordinary and easie course of Nature they were more cautelous and flexible and were content in the more moderate use of their own Vices The Condition of this our Edward the subject of this Story was not in it self more hurtful than dangerous to the Peace and Tranquillity of the whole Kingdome If by Heat of Youth Height of Fortune or the Corruptions of Nature the Royal Affections flie loosely and at random yet if it extend no farther than the satisfaction of the private Appetite it may obscure the glory but not supplant the strength and safety of a Scepter But when it is not only vicious in it self but doth patronize it in others not blushing or shrinking in the justification it is a fore-running and presaging Evidence that threatens danger if not destruction It is much in a King that hath so great a Charge deliver'd over to his care
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
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
that had the guidance of his affairs and not to his own natural Disposition they tax the impropriety of the time when the Kingdom was under the Government of a Child and a Woman and spare no point that might advance compassion for the one or procure a dislike of the other Neither are they content with a verbal incitation but fall to matter of fact that others might move by their example They make one of their number named Donhead their Captain a good stout bold and factious Fellow one that was daring enough but knew better what belong'd to Church-Ornaments than the handsome carriage of a Conspiracy that was to be managed by Armes and not by the liberty of the Tongue whose liberality claps him by the heels where he not long after dyes before he had so much as muster'd his Covent This gathering Cloud thus dispers'd without a shower the Queen and Mortimer to take off the people from harping farther upon this string send forth divers plausible Proclamations intimating a strict charge for the reformation of divers petty Grievances and withal are divulged sundry probabilities of Forreign dangers from France and Scotland which were presently understood to be but mere fictions in respect at the same instant she frees herself of her forreign Aid which in such an occasion might have as well served to defend the Kingdome as to invade it They made it is true an earnest suit to be gone having well feather'd their nests but if the fear had been such as was bruited I think the Queen both might and would have retain'd them It may be their addiction to Arms was weary of so long a Vacation or they were desirous to shew themselves at home with honour whence they had parted with so poor an expectation and peradventure she was unwilling they should be witness of that unnatural Tragedy which she saw then broyling in Mortimer's breast though not resolved on which must have wounded her reputation in that Climate where she had won so great a belief of her Wisdome Vertue and Goodness Liberally and nobly she requites every man according to his Merit and Condition but to Sir John of Heynault whose Heroick Spirit gave the first life to this action and to the Oracle of her recovery and all those of the better sort she presents many rich Jewels and Annuities of yearly Revenue according to the quality of the time in being They hold themselves Royally requited and taking a solemn leave are honourably accompanied to Dover where they take their Farwel of the Kingdom with a much merrier eye than when they first beheld it Whoso shall wisely consider the desperate attempt of this little handful of Adventurers and their fortunate issue may justly esteem it one of the most memorable Passages of our time since it was merely guided by pity and compassion without pay without provision to attempt an act not more dangerous than hopeless yet they gave it perfection without so much as the loss of any one man and returned home glorious in honour rich in purchase not gained by pillage robbery or unjust rapine the hope and revenue of a War but by the just reward due to their Valour and Vertue The cause of so fair a progression and so successful an end may have divers probabilities likely enough to ground our judgment As the sincerity of the Intention the goodness of the Work and many other which may be alledged but the most essential may be drawn from this they were though but a small one yet an entire body composed of such as knew what appertain'd to Arms and Breeding Men that were vertuously inclin'd and aw'd with the true sense of Religion in the Wars of late years become a mere stranger where no Victory is esteem'd dishonourable no Purchase unlawful Certainly our Wars and our Plantations nearly resemble being both used as a Broom to sweep the Kingdome rather than an enterprize to adorn it which makes the event so unfortunate in War which alone falls properly within the compass of this Treatie it being the greatest and most weighty work that either gives honour or safety to a Kingdom They should be begun with Justice and managed as well with Wisdome as Valour their beginning should be with a choice care which makes the ending fortunate The number of bodies is not the Strength their fury not the Bulwork it is the Piety and true Valour of an Army which gives them Heart and Victory which how it can be expected out of Ruffians and Goal-birds that are the scum of the Commonwealth I leave to your consideration I commend his Curiosity that would not buy a piece of Plate stoln from Orphans though he might have had it at an under-value lawfully enough but more his reason which would not commix it with his own for fear lest it might occasion a punishment upon his which were innocent and not toucht with a Guilt that might in Justice challenge Vengeance But in the Military Practice it is believed so a man have shape and limbs 't is no matter though he have murder'd his own Father or committed Incest with his Mother it is his metal not his conditions gives him admittance Hence spring Treachery that forsakes his Colours Treason that betrays the Captain and at the best those actions of Bloud and Murder that cry rather for Vengeance than promise Victory A General it is true that hath his Army made to his hand cannot distinguish their conditions the first act is the errour of those entrusted yet if he in the knowledge continue and not punish the practice of so barbarous actions though it be against an enemy it must wound his Honour and endanger his Safety liable to the accompt of those transgressions which are acted by those that are under his charge without a just punishment It is an Observation remarkable that a Press coming into the Country there is a great deal of shift made in every Town and Village to lay hold of all the most notorious debauch'd Rascals to fill up the number these clear the Coast and are believed fit Champions to fight for their Sovereigns Honour and the Kingdoms Safety and the rather because in want of Pay the ruine of an Army they are best able to live by their Trade But what follows They are either led to the Slaughter or by the Divine Justice prove the ruine of the Enterprise or returning practise private Villanies with more confidence or publick Mutinies under pretence of want of Wages But I will leave them to a reformation and proceed to the Tragedy of this unfortunate King who is now taken from the Earl of Lancaster and delivered over by Indenture to Sir Morrice Berkley and Sir John Matravas They lead him back to the Cage of his first Imprisonment carrying him closely and with a reserved Secrecy lest his Friends in the knowledge of his Remove might attempt his Freedome And to make his Discovery more difficult