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
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
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
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
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-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
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
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-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