beauty or that through scruple of Conscience which for his honors sake is most receiued I am not able to censure But sure it is that hee beganne deepely to consider with himselfe that notwithstanding the vsurped liberty of the Pope whose Prerogatiues till then was neuer thought disputable that his marriage was not onely vnlawfull but incestuous some are of opinion that hee was hereunto moued by the Nobility others that hee was instigated by the Clergy but if we may giue credit to his owne Protestation in open Court the first originalâ— of this touch in Conscience was because the Bishop of Bayon being sent Ambassador from the French King to debate a Marriage betwixt the Duke of Orleance his second sonne and the Lady Mary the sole suruiuing Issue of him and his Queene Katharine but as the match was vpon the point to bee concluded the Bishop beganne to demurre and desired respit till he were fully resolued whether the Lady Mary by reason of the Kings Marriage with his brothers wife were legitimate or not The cause is doubtfull but the effect I am sure is vnquestionable Although the King receiued from this Spanish Lady a Prince called Edward borne at Richmond on Newyeeres day in the second yeer of his raigne for whose Natiuity great Triumphs were kept at Westminster yet breathed his last vpon Saint Mathews day following Besides hee had by her a second issue the Lady Mary before-named so that neither sterility and barrennesse could be aspersed vpon her nor any knowne disobedience or disloyalty obiected against her but that as the King himselfe often protested she was a wife no way refractory but in all things corresponding to his desires and pleasures These things notwithstanding the pretended diuorce was to the Kings great cost and charge so effectually negotiated that after they had liued together by the space of 22 yeeres and vpwards in vnquestioned Matrimony it was made the publique Argument in Schooles debated by the Italian French German and our owne moderne Doctors both Ecclesiasticall and Ciuill by an vnanimous consent determined and for the better confirmation thereof by thâ— Seales of diuers Academies signed that the Marriage betwixt the King and Queene neuer till now called his Sister or Brothers wife was a meere nullity absolutely vnlawfull and that his sacred Maiesty had liberty and licence howsoeuer the Pope sought by all meanes to antipose their opinions warraÌ„table from them after a legal diuorce sued out from the Court to make choice of any other lady to his wife where he himselfe best liked Cardinall Campeius was sent from his Holinesse and Cardinall Wolsey was ioyned with him in commission to determine of this difficult point the King and Queene were conuened in open Court then held in Black Friers the Resolution of the weighty Argument then in hand was so abstruse that it puzled all though many seemed confident yet not a few of the best Orthodoxall diuines then staggered in their opinions in so much that the Legate departed the land before he would giue vp a definitiue sentence in the cause the reason was because hee desired further Order and Instruction from his Holinesse In the Interim the good Princess greatly beloued was much pittied and the King much honored was greatly feared For now most mens thoughts were in their hearts a time better to thinke then speake but before the Diuorce was publikly denounced the Lady Anne Bullein on the first of Sâ—pt An. 1532. was at Windsor created Marchiones of Pembrooke and one thousand pound per annum conferred vpon her by the King which news no sooner arriued to the deiected Princesse eare but shee beganne to consider with her selfe the ficklenesse and instability of greatnesse and seeing that Sunne to set in a cloud on her which was beginning to rise serenely on another who was now maiestically ascending those steps by which shee was miserably descending exprest a womans wondrous modesty and without speaking any distastfull or irreuerent word against the King said Great men enterprizing great things ought neither by the Lawes of God nor man to employ their power as their owne mind wil leth but as Iustice and Reason teacheth but fearing lest in speaking so little she had spoken too much shut vp the rest of what shee thought to vtter in a modest and welbeseeming silence Vpon the 25. of Ianuary An. 1533. the King was married in his Closset at Whitehall to the Marchionesse of Pembrooke the Lady Anne Bullein but very priuately few were present at the ceremonies then celebrated by Dr. Rowland Lee not long after consecrated Bishop of Chester In this concealed Soâ—emnity one Mistresse Anne Sauage much trusted â—y them both bore vp the Queenes traine this Lady was within few moneths after espoused to the Lord Berkely In Easter Eue being the 12 of Aprill the Queene being known to the King to bee young with child went to the Chappell oâ—enly as a Queene and was proclaimed publikly the same day Queene of England vpon Whitsunday following crowned at Westminster with all the â—ompe state and magnificence therto belonging Queene Katharine who for many yeeres had been their Soueraigne Lady is now quite forgotten and Queene Anne being to the people scarcely known is soly honored The rising Sunne is onely adored their ioyful acclamations readier for the coronation of the one then their vniust exclamations to forward the deposing of thâ— other Vpon the 7th of Sepâ—tember being Sunday beâ—twixt the houres of 3â— and 4â— in the Afternoone Queene Anne was deliâ—uered of a fayre daughteâ— at Greenewich who 〈◊〉 the great vnspeakable ioyâ— both of Prince and people was christened on thâ— third day following beâ—ing Wednesday the Mayâ—â— of London and his breâ—hren with more then forâ—y other of the grauest Ciâ—izens being commanded â—o attend vpon the solemâ—ities It was performed â—n the Fryers Church in Greenewich the Font was of siluer placed in the middle of the church with â—n ascent of three steps â—igh the old Dutchesse of Norfolke bore the Babe wrap'd in a Mantle of purple veluet The Consponsors or witnesses were Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury the Dutchesse of Norfolke and â—he Marchionesse of Dorset both widdowes Not long after the birth of the Lady Elizabeth a generall oath of allegiancâ— past thorow the kingdom to bind al such as by theirâ— yeers were capable thereof to maintaine and vphold the successiue heyreâ— descending from the bodies of the King Queen Anne lawfully begotten iâ— the true and legall possession of the Throne Crown Sword and Scepter with all the royalties and impeâ—riall honors thereunto beâ—longing The coniecturall of theâ— administration of thiâ— oath together with the suddenesse of the Queeneâ— coronation was to streâ—â— then the match and makâ— the legitimation of her iâ—â—sue which by the Kingâ— former match was amongst many yet made questionable of more vaâ—â—idity for as one obserâ—eth Anna coronatur quod â—ulli
brought to the Court and for full fourteene dayes after remained in a priuate Chamber altogether solitary and comfortlesse not so much as suffered to see much lesse to speake with any friend onely the L. Chamberlaine and Sr. Iohn Gage who atended at the dore of her Lodging shee had no comforter but her innocence no companion but her Booke she was armed with Patience to vndergoe the heate of the day to endure all opposition Quo fata trahunt retrahuntque sequemur Quicquid erit superanda omnis fortuna ferendo est None can be brought to so wretched a Condition but they may haue hope of better fortune she knew that the clouds being ouer the day wold become cleare the Sun but once appearing those thicke mists would be soone expelled thus she remained a sorrowfull and deiected Prisoner in the hands of spleenfull and potent aduersaries brought into so straight an exigent either to forsake her faith or else to fall vnder the merciles cruelty of such as sought her innocent life Vpon the Friday before Palme-Sunday the Bish. of Winchester with nine more of the Councel conuented her being come before them and offering to kneele the Earle of Sussex would by no meanes suffer her but commanded a Chayre to bee brougt in for her to fit on Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and then Lord Chancellor taking vpon him to be the mouth of the rest began very sharply to reproue her as if shee had beene already conuicted for hauing a hand in Wiat's Rebellion to whom she mildly answered with a modest protestation that shee neuer had the least knowledge of his practice and proceedings for proofe whereof said shee when Wyat at his death was by some malicious enemies of mine demaÌ„ded whether I was any way knowing or accessary to his insurrection euen at the parting of life and body hauing prepared his soule for heauen when no dissimulation can be so much as suspected euen then he pronounced me guiltlesse besides the like question being demanded of Nicholas Throckmorton and Iames Crofts at their Arraignment I was likewise cleared by them and being acquitted of all others my Lords would you haue mee to accuse my selfe after this shee was question'd about a stirring in the West rais'd by Sr. Peter Carew but answered to euery particular so distinctly that they could not take hold of the least circumstance whereby they might any way strengthen their accusation which Gardiner perceiuing told her that it would bee her safest course to submit her selfe to the Queene and to craue pardon of her gracious Maiestie wherunto she answered that submission coÌ„fest a crime and pardon belong'd to a delinquent either of which being proued by her she would then and not till then make vse of his Graces councell Gardiner told her she should heare more anon retiring with the reâ—t of the Lords to know the Queens further pleasure they being gone she left alone without either seruant to attend her or friend to cheere her began to thinke with her selfe that beauty was but a flower soone faded health a blessing soone altered fauour a Sun-shine often clouded riches and glory no better then broken pillars but innocency and truth vnmoued Columns In the midst of these conceptions Gardiner and the rest entred the Chamber told her that it was her Maiesties pleasure shee must instantly bee conueyed to the Tower that her houshold was dissolued and all her seruants discharged except her Gentleman Vsher three Gentle-women and two Groomes and that for her guard two hundred Northern white Coates were appointed that night to watch about her lodging and early in the morning to see her safely deliuered into the custody of the Lieftenant of the Tower the very name of Tower strucke a deepe horror into her insomuch that the cheerfull blood forsaking her fresh cheeks left nothing but ashy palenesse in her visage shee spake these words Allasse my Lords how comes it that I haue so incensed my Sister and Soueraigne if it be held to be either Criminall or Capitall to bee Daughter to King Henry Sister to King Edward of Sacred memory or to bee the next in blood to the Queene I may then perhaps incurre as well the seuerity of censure as the rigour of Sentence but otherwise I here protest before heauen and you I neuer either in act or thought haue as yet trespass'd against her Maiesty whose pleasure if it be so that I must be confined and my liberty restrain'd my humble suite is vnto you to be Petitioners on my behalfe vnto her Maiestie that I may be sent vnto some other place lesse notorious that being a Prison for Traytors and Malefactors in the highest degree The Earle of Sussex presently replyed that her request was both iust reasonable desiring the rest of the Lords to ioine with him on her behalfe whereuppon the Bishop of Winchester cut him off and told him that it was the Queenes absolute command and her pleasure was vnalterable when after a little pause well sayd she Flebile principium melior fortuna sequatur Iniury is but the tryall of our patience troubles are onely instructions to teach vs wisedome by the one falshood from faith may be perceiued by the other true friends from Traytors may be easily discerned Guttacauat lapidem hard things may bee mollified crooked things straightned a Rocke will in time relent and Troy though it stands out long it yeeldâ— at last whilst there is a Sun to set I wil not despaire of a good issue Non omniâ—m dierum Sol occidit shall bee still my Comâ—orter â—nd with â—hese words they all left her That night being spent in pious deuotion the next day following two Lords brought word that she must instantly to the Tower that the Barge was ready at the staires to conuey her thither for saith one of them whose name I purposeâ—y omit The tide will â—â—ry for no body vpon which shee humbly besought them that shee might onely haue the freedome of one tide more and that they would solicit the Queen â—or so small a fauour whereunto he very churlishly replyed that it was a thing by no possible meanes to bee granâ—ted then shee desireâ— that she might write vnto the Queene which he would not admit but the Earle of Sussex beinâ— the other that was sent from the Queene kneeled vnto her kist her hand and said that vpon his owne apperill shee should not onely haue the liberty to write but as he was a true man vnto God his Prince he would deliuer her Letter to the Queenes owne hands and bring an Answer of the same whatsoeuer came thereof Whilst shee was writing for a small peece of paper could not make sufficient report of her Sorrowes being so great in quantity so extraordinary in quality the tyde was spent then they whispered together to take aduantage of the next but that course was held to be inconuenient in regard that
downe in thy Booke of preseruation with thine owne hand Oh read thine owne hand writing and saue mee spare me that speake vnto thee pardon mee that pray vnto thee the Griefes I endure enforce me to speake the calamities I suffer impells mee to complaine if my hopes were in this Life only then were I of all people most miserable it must needes be so that there is aâ—nother Life for here they liue many times the longest liues who are not worthie to â—iue at all Heere the Israelites make the Brickes and the Aegyptians dwell in the houses Dauid is in want and Nabal abounds Syon is Babâ—lons Captiue hast thou nothing in store for Ioseph but the Stocks for Esay but a Saw will not Elias adorne the Chariot better then the Iuniper-tree will not Iohn Baptists head become a Crowne as well as a Platter Surely there is great Retribution for the iust there is fruit for the Righteous thou hast Palms for their hands Coronets for their heads white Robes for their Bodies thou wilt wipe all teares from their eyes and shew them thy goodnesse in the land of the liuing Oh good and desirable is the shadow of thy wings Lord Iesus there is the safe Sanctuary to flye vnto the comfortable refreshing of all sinne and sorrow whatsoeuer Cups of affliction this Life propines vnto me is nothing to those bitter draughts thou hast already drunke vnto me helpe me O thou my strength by which I shall bee raised come thou my light by which I shall be illuminated appeare thou glory to which I shall bee exalted hasten thou life through which I shall bee hereafter glorified Amen Amen Thus did shee both deuoutly and religioâ—sly make vse of all afflictions imposed vpon her shee euer laid her Foundation vpon that Primum quaerite which is the chiefe Corner-Stone both of Diuinitie and Philosophy but being ouer-whelmed with an inundation of Sorrow and Feare she humbly petition'd the Councell that they would admit her to write to the Queene which at first was prohibited but afterwards most louingly permitted Sir Henry Benningfield brought her Pen Paper and Inke and would not so much as depart the Roome whilst shee had Pen to Paper and euer when shee was weary of writing hee carried her Letteâ—s away and brought them again at his pleasure but hauing finished her Letters hee said that hee would carry them to Court No said shee one of my owne shall carry them I will trust neither your selfe nor any that belongs to you therein wherunto he replyed You are a Prisoner to the Queene I hope there is none of your Seruants dares be so bold as to deliuer any Letters of yours to her Maiestie you being in that case Yes quoth shee I haue none that are so dishonest but will be as willing to doe for me in that behalfe as euer they were That 's true said he but my Commission is to the contrary I can by no means suffer it her Grace replying againe said You charge mee very often with your Commission I pray God you may hereafer answer the cruell dealing vsed towards mee then hee kneeling downe desired her Grace to consideâ—â— that hee was but a Seruant put only in trust by her Maiesty to keepe her safe protesting that if the Case were hers hee would as willingly obserue her Grace as now hee did the Queenes Highnesse For his answer shee returned him thankes beseeching God that shee might neuer stand in need of such seruants as he was giuing him further to vnderstand that his actions towards her were neither good nor answerable nay such as the beâ—t friends he had could neuer maintaine I doubt not said hee but to make good account of my Actions there is no remedy but that I must answer them and so I wil wel enough I 'le warrant you being angred and vexed with her Graces speeches hee kept the Letters foure dayes after they were dated but in conclusion hee was faine to send for her Gentleman-Vsher from the Towne of Woodstocke and asked him whether hee durst deliuer his Mistris Letters to the Queene Yes said hee that I dare and will withall my heart then Sir Henry halfe against his stomacke deliuered them vnto him Not long after her Grace fell sicke which the Queene no sooner heard of but shee sent D. Owen and D. Wâ—ndye to visite her being come to Woodstocke they carefully administred vnto her let her bloud and in sixe dayes set her on foote againe and so taking their leaue of her Grace return'd to Court and made a large report both to the Queene and Councell of her humble behauiour and allegiance towards them The Queene no sooner heard it but reioyced at it her aduersaries looked black in the mouth not knowing how to mend themselues but onely by ininciting the Queene against her telling her that they much wondred that shee did not submit her selfe hauing offended her Highnesse In the Interim her Grace was much solicited by diuers pretended friends to submit her selfe to the Qu. informing her that it would be well taken and bee very conducible to her benefit and further inlargement the words were no sooner vttered but shee most resolutely made answer in this manner I will neuer submit to any one whom I neuer offended in all my life If I am a delinquent and haue offended Currat Lex let the Law take course I craue no mercy at all the law is iust and will not condemne me my Keeper that locketh mee vp day and night doth continually molest mee if I were but as free from the one as I am from the other I should thinke my selfe most happy howsoeuer God in his good time will either mollifie his heart or moue some other to procure my further inlargement The Counsell board especially the aduerse party were no sooner possess'd with the constancie of her resolution but they sent vp for Sir Henry Benning field her Keeper no way was vnattempted which might make for their ends great Consultation was held about a Marriage for her the Spaniards thought it most convenient to bee with some Stranger that she might haue her Portion and so depart the Land some thought that not to bee the safest course to send her abroad but one Lord and Gardiner resolued vpon a more speedy one the one said that the King would neuer haue any quiet Common-wealth in England till her head were struck off from her shoulders the other My Lords we haue but all this while beene stripping off the leaues and now and then lopped a branch but till such time as wee strike at the Roote of Heresie meaning the Lady Elizabeth nothing to purpose can bee effected God forbid replyed the Spaniards that our K. and Mr. should once conceiue a thought to consent vnto such a mischiefe and from that day forward they did not let slip the least opportunity to solicite the King on her behalfe informing him that
nisi regni haeredibus coÌ„â—ingere solet Qu. Anne was â—herefore crowned beâ—ause it is an honour soâ—y conferred vpon such whose issue are capable of â—â—ccessioÌ„ wherby it is proâ—able that the Kings purâ—ose was to adnihilate and â—â—tinguish the Title of his â—aughter Mary and to â—aue the Crowne and digâ—â—ty Royall to the sole â—eires of Q. Anne For this â—use were the two young â—adies brought vp apart â—hich may be a reasoÌ„ why â—ey were after so different in their dispositions and so opposite in theiâ— Religions both of them though not sucking thâ— milke yet as well imitaâ—ting the mindes as following the steps of their moâ—thers Queene Katharinâ— liuing and dying a conâ—stant Romane Catholique Queene Anne both in heâ— life and death resolute 〈◊〉 the defence of the Reforâ—med Religion which 〈◊〉 the most probable conieâ—ctures haue left to vs vpâ—on file was by the instigaâ—tion of some Romists theâ— powerfull with the Kingâ— who was not then fully seâ—â—led in those tenents whicâ— he after made his maximâ— the prologue to her fall anâ— â—â—ues Catastrophe which 〈◊〉 long after hapned On May day A no 1536. â—as a great iusting held at â—â—eenewich in the which â—â—e chiefe challenger was â—â—e Lord Rochford brother 〈◊〉 the Queene and the deâ—â—ndants were one Henry â—orrice of the Kings Bedâ—amber with others they â—aÌ„naged their armes with â—eat dexterity and euery â—urse which they ranne â—me off with the lowd apâ—â—â—ause of the people insoâ—uch that the King at first â—â—ght seemed in outward â—ewe to be wonderously â—lighted but about the â—iddle of the triumph â—e a storme in the midst â—a quiet Sea the King arose suddenly from hâ—â— seat and attended with 〈◊〉 persons only tooke Bargâ—â— and was row'd to Westmiâ—â—â— leauing no small amazâ—â—ment behinde him euâ—â—ry one wondring and coâ—â—iecturing as their affectâ—â—ons led them what migâ—â— be the occasion thereoâ— All things were with 〈◊〉 night husht vp and in qâ—â—â—et no appearance of dâ—â—content eyther in King 〈◊〉 Courtier perceiued bâ— no sooner did the day peâ—â—â— out but the King 's discoâ—â—tent appeared w th it Geoâ—â— Bulleine Lod Rochford 〈◊〉 Queenes brother and Heâ—â—ry Norrice the defendaâ—â— were saluted with a coâ— breakfast next their heaâ—◠〈◊〉 their beds both conâ—eyed to the Tower the â—ewes being brought to â—he Queene struck as cold â—o her heart and hauing â—ast ouer dinner with difâ—ontent â—ecause the King 〈◊〉 his custome was had â—ent none of his waiters to â—id Much good doe it her 〈◊〉 the Table but perceiâ—ing her seruants about â—er some with their eyes glazed in teares but all with looks deiected on the earth it bred strange conâ—epâ—ions in her yet being â—onfident in her own innoâ—â—ency bred in her rather â—mazement then feare The same day entred inâ—o her chamber Sr Thomas â—udley L. Chancellor the Duke of Norfolke Thomas Cromwell Secretary and â— dâ—â—â—â—â—ce after them Siâ— William Kinsman Constabâ—e of the Tower at their first apppearance her apprehension was that they were sent from the King to comfort her about the imprisonment of her brother but obseruing them to looke more austerely vpon her then vsually they were accustomed shee beâ—gan to mistrust their message but casting her eye beyond them and espying the Constable of the Tower to accompany them in their vnwelcome visit she grew then confident that her death was now approaching and that these were the Heralds to preâ—are it so expressing more â—odesty then Maiesty â—oth in her behauiour and â—ountenance she prepared â—er selfe to attend their â—essage which the Chanâ—ellor deliuered vnto her in â—ew words telling her â—hat it was his Maiesties â—oÌ„mand that she must inâ—antly be conveyed from â—hence to the Tower there â—o remaine during his â—ighnes pleasure to which â—he answered that her inâ—ocence and patience had â—â—med her against all adâ—ersities what soeuer and 〈◊〉 such were his Maiesties â—ommand and pleasure â—hey both should with all â—umility be obeyed so â—ithout change of habit or any thing necessary foâ— her remooue shee put herâ— selfe into their safe custody and by them was conueyed into her Barge Iust vpon the stroke oâ—fiue she entred the Towerâ— the Lords with the Luieâ—tenant brought her to heâ— Chamber to whome aâ— their departure she spokâ— these few words following falling vpon her knees I beseech God Almighty to 〈◊〉 my assistance and helpe onely so farre forth as I am nâ—â—guiltie of any iust crime that may be layd against me theâ— turning to the Lords I inâ—treat you to beseech the King in my â—ehalfe that it wilâ— please him to be a good Lorâ— vnto mee which wordâ— were no sooner vttered but they departed The fifteenth of the same moneth the Lords of the Councell met at the Tower the Queene was called toâ— to the Barre and arraigned before the Duke of Norfolk who sate as Lord high Steward the Lord Chancellor on the right hand and the Duke of Suffolke on the left hand with diuers others Marquesses Earles and Barons the Earle of Surrey sonne to the Duke of Norfolke sate directly before his father a degree â—ower as Earle Marshall of England the Queenâ— sitâ—ing in a chaire diuers accusations especially touching inconstancy were obiected against her to all which she answered punctually with such grauity and discretion that it appeared to her Auditory she could not bee found guilty of any aspersion whatsoeuer But when in their fauourable censures they were readye not without great applause to acquit her The Iury brought in a contrary verdict by which shee was convicted condemned and had her iudgement to be burned or else her head to be cut off at the Kings pleasure The Sentence being denounced the Court arose and she waâ— conueyed backe againe to her Chamber the Laâ— Bullein her Aunt and the Lady Kinsman wife to the Constable of the Tower onely attending her Two dayes after were brought vnto the Tower-Hill George Lord Rochford Henry Norris Marke Smeton Medlin Brierton Francis Weston all of them of the Kings Priuy Chamber who seuerally suffered and had their heads stricken off no other account of their sufferings being giuen out abroad but that they deseruedly dyed for matters concerning the conuicted Queene Two dayes after the Queene was brought to the greene within the Tower and there mounted on a Scaffold where were present most part of the Nobility 〈◊〉 Lord Mayor of London with certaine Aldermen and many other Spectators her last words were these My honourable Lords and the rest here assembled I beseech you all to beare witnesse with me that I humbly submit my selfe to vndergoe the penalty to which the Law hath sentenced me as touching my offences I am sparing to speak they are best knowne to God and I neither blame nor accuse any man but commit them wholly to him beseeching God that knowes theâ— secrets of all hearts to haue mercy on my Soule next I beseech the Lord Iesus to blesse and saue my Soueraigne Master
the King the noblest and mercifullest Prince that liues whom I wish long to reigne ouer you He hath made me Marchionesse of Pembrooke vouchsafed me to lodge in his owne bosome higher on earth hee could not raise me and hath done thereâ—ore well to lift me vp to those blessed Innocents in Heauen Which hauing vttered with a smiling and cheerefull countenance as no way frighted with the Terrour of Death She gently submitted her selfe to her fate and kneeling down on both her knees with this short eiaculation in her mouth Lord Iesus Christ into thy hands I commend my Soule with the close of the last syllable the Hangman of Callis at one blow struck off her head Phoenix Iana iacet nato Phoenice dolendum Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duos The King loth to shew himselfe too sad a widdower for so good a wife the very next ensuing day was married to the Lady Iane Seymor daughter to Sir Iohn Seymor Knight Sister to Edward Seymor Earle of Hertford and Duke of Somerset Queene Anne was no sooner frowned on by the King but she was abandoned by her late friends and seruants the young Lady her Daughter lost a Mother before she could doe any more but smile vpon her She dyed the Phoenix of her Sexe but left a daughter behind who proued the Phoenix of her time the true Daughter of so rare a Mother Phoenix Queene Iane is now the sole obiect of all the Peoples ioy but within little more then the Reuolution of one yeare all their hopes are crossed death nip't the bud but preserued the blossome for a while after On the 12. day of October in the yeare 1537. the Queene was deliuered both of a Son her own life together at Hampton Court about two of the clocke in the afternoone It is said that newes being brought to the King in the time of her trauell that her throwes were very violent insomuch that her life was in great perill by reason of the extremities of her hard labour nay that the issue was driuen to so strait an exigent that either the mother or the infant must nccessarily perish huÌ„bly desiring his Highnesse in so great extremity his answer was that the Mother then should die for certaine hee was that hee could haue more wiues but vncertaine whether to â—aue more children heerevpon preparation was made to saue both if possible but her body was ripped vp to giue way to her Child in the conclusion and two dayes after her deliuery her Soule expired The Queene dyed much pittyed and the young Prince called Edward was the eighteenth of the same moneth created Prince of Wales Duke of Cornewall and Chester The Father was so ioyfull of his Sonne that hee seemed to cast a neglect vpon his two daughters yet of them both the Lady Elizabeth was in most fauor and grace for when Mary was separated from the Court and not so much as suffered to come within a certain distance there of limited the Lady Elizabeth was then admitted to keepe the young Prince company in his infancy who in the time of his minority was committed to the tuition of Doctor Coxe and Sir Iohn Cheeke as they were guardians and Schoole-masters to the Prince so were they the dayly Instructors of the sweet young Lady Shee was 3. yeares elder then her Brother and therefore able in her pretty language to teach and direct him euen froÌ„ the first of his speech and vnderstanding in the principles of Religion and other Documents the Arch-bishop Cranmer her God-father was euer chary and tender ouer her as one that at the Font had tooke charge vpon him to see her educated in all vertue piety Cordiall intire grew the affection betwixt this brother and Sister insomuch that he no sooner began to know her but hee seemed to acknowledge her and she being of more maturity as deeply loued him Both comming out of one loynes their affection was no lesse then if they had issued likewise from one wombe they were indeede one way equally fortunate and vnfortunate hauing one Father and either of them depriued of a Mother and euen in their seuerall deaths there was a kind of correspondencie the one dyed by the sword the other in Child-bed both of them violent and enforced deaths So pregnant and ingenious were either that they desired to looke vpon bookes as soone as the day began to breake their horae matutinae were so welcome that they seemed to preuent the nights sleeping for the entertainment of the morrows schooling besides such were the hopefull inclinations of this Princely youth and pious Virgin that their first houres were spent in Prayers other Religious exercises as either reading some History or other in the Old Testament or else attending the exposition of some Text or other in the New the rest of the sore-noone Breakfast-time excepted they were doctrinated and instructed either in language or some of the liberal Sciences one morrall learning or other collected out of such Authors as did best conduce to the Instruction of Princes And when hee was cal'd out to any youthfull exercise becomming a Child of his age for study without action breedes dulnesse she in her priuate Chamber betooke her selfe to her Lute or violl and wearyed with that to practise her needle This was the circular course of their employment God was the Center of all their actions Ab Ioue Principium they began with God and hee went along still with them insomuch that in a short time they were as well entered into language as Arts most of the frequent tongues of Christendom they now made theirs Greeke Latine French Italian Spanish Dutch were no strangers no forraigne Idiomes but now made familiar with their natiue English Merito vt puer vnicus orbis Iure vocaretur Phoenix virgo alâ—era Pallas These concurrences met in such a Concordancie that the Schollers though Princes for their good instructions were in a kind of duty obliged to their Tutors and their Tutors for their willingnesse and Industry as much grac'd and honour'd by their Schollers Alexander the great confessed himselfe more obliged to Aristotle his Schoole-master for his learning then to his Father King Philip for his life by the one he became a Man by the other an vnderstanding Man This Princely couâ—le cannot bee taxed of â—ngratitude if all the malice in the world were â—nfused into one eye it shall neuer be able to deâ—ract either of them how forward was the one during his time to promote Doctor Coxe his Tutor and the life that Marian persecution being drawn to the last breath the other recald him from beyond the Seas whither he was fled restor'd him to many Church dignities and grac'd him so far as that by her appointment he made a learned Sermon that day when she went to her first Parliament These tender young Plants being past their sappy age and now beginning to flourish the old stocke begins to
wither the King feeling himself dangerously sick many infirmities growing more and more vpon him cal'd his Councell about him made his last will and Testament part of which so much as concernes this present Discourse shall be deliuered as it hath been extracted out of the originall Coppie still reserued in the Treasury of the Exchequer Dated the Thirtieth day of December 1546. Item I giue and bequeath vnto our two Daughters Mary and Eliâ—abethâ— if they shall be marâ—â—ed to any outward Potenâ—â—tes the Summe of tennâ—â—housand pounds a peecee â—nd that to be paid them by â—he consent of our Councell 〈◊〉 Money Plate Iewels and Houshold-stuffe if wee beâ—â—ow them not in our life â—ime or a larger Summe â—t the discretion of our Exâ—cutors or the most part of â—hem And both of them vpon our blessing to be ordeâ—ed aswell in marriage as â—ll other lawfull things by â—he aduice of our fore said Councell and in case they will not that then those Summes are to be diminiâ—hed at our Councels pleasure Further our will is that from the first houre of our death vntill such time as they can prouide either of them or both of an honourable Marriage they shall haue either of them or both of them three Thousand pounds vltra Reprisas to liue vpon I haue knowne many a Noble Man's Daughter left as great a Legacie nay a larger Dower who neuer had any claime or alliance to a Crowne but so it pleased the King at that time Vpon the nineteenth day of Ianuary following the King lying vpon his death-bed euen when hee was ready to giue an accompt to God for the aboundance of bloud already spilt when hee knew himselfe was no longer able to liue hee â—imprisoned the Duke of Norfolke the Father signed a warrant for the execution of the Earle of Surrey the Sonne within nine dayes after he himselfe expired and on the eighteenth of February following was with great State and magnificence interred at Windsore On the same day wherin the Father deceased was the Sonne inauguraâ—ed King of England by the name of Eâ—ward the â—â—xth being of the age of 9. yeares on the nineteenth of February following he rode with his Vncle the Lord Protector Duke of Sommerset through the Citie of London and the next day ensuing was anoynted King at West-minster by Thomas Cranmer Arch-bishop of Canterbury whoâ— that day administred the holy Eucharist together with sundry other Ceremonies appropriated for such Solemnities Great is the person oâ— a King reigning heereâ— vpon earth amoÌ„gst men hee is a liuely Embleme of the high and glorious Maiesty of God in heauen The King was no â—ooner crowned but the Lady Elizabeth gaue â—ay to his State there â—as now a discontinuâ—nce of that frequent â—nd priuate familiarity â—suall betwixt them â—ormerly she loued him â—s a Brother now she hoâ—ours him as her Soueâ—aigne Honour and Royalty make difference â—etwixt the Sonne and â—he Father the degrees â—f State distinguish beâ—wixt brother and Sister â—hey which liued sociaâ—ly in all familiarity together now doe not so â—uch as talke but at a distance The death of â—he Father which raysed him to the Crowne remoued her from the Court set him in the Throne sent her downâ— into the Countrey iâ— which retirement being nobly attended as welâ— by diuers voluntary Ladies and Gentle-womeâ— as her owne traine anâ— houshould Seruants shâ— led there though a morâ— solitary yet a much more contented life as hauinâ— now more leisure houre to contemplate and ruminate on those Rudiments and Exerciseâ— wherein she had for merly beene conuersant Diligence is the breeâ—eâ—â— and productor of Arts but practise and exercisâ— doth nourish and cherish them She in her great discretion made gainfull vse of tâ—is Soliâ—ude as is apparant by â—he future Being setled in the Country to adde vnto her Reuenue shee had many gifts and visits â—ent her from the King who was very carefull â—oth of her honour and â—ealth shee liued under â—he charge of a noble â—nd vertuous Lady who â—as stil'd her Gouerâ—esse scarce was she yet â—ull fourteene yeares of â—ge when one of her Vncles then in great office and place about the King brought vnto her 〈◊〉 Princely Suitor as great in means as comeâ—â—y in Person A stranger richly habited and nobly attended whose name my Author giues notâ— he after much importunitie both from himselfe and friends yet at last crost in his purpose by modest repulses and cold answeres and finding her immutable disposition solely addicted to a single life as not enduring the name of a husband setled in his mind though not satisfied in her denyall retyred into his Countrey for though it may be said of women in generall that they are spare in their answeres and peâ—â—remptory in their demands purposes thaâ— their affections are stil in â—e extreames either so â—assionate as by no counâ—ell to be redressed or so counterfeit to be by no man beleeued and again â—f they are beautiful they are to be won with prayâ—es if coy with prayers if â—roud with gifts if coâ—etous with promises yet â—his sweet L. tho her beauâ—y were attractiue yet by â—o flattery could be reâ—oued froÌ„ her setled reâ—olution and being concious neither of Pride â—oyness or couetousnes â—ould not be easily drawn â—ithin the compas of any â—â—btile temptation This â—â—rst vnwelcome motion â—f Marriage was a 〈◊〉 why shee liued afterwards more solitary and retyred If at any time the King her Brother vpon any weighty or important occasion had sent to enioy her company at Court she made no longer Residence then to know his highnesse pleasure and to make humble tender of her duty and allegiance That done with all conuenient returned backe into the Country where she spent the entire season of her Brothers Raigne The King had 3 Vncles left him by the Mothers side Edward Thomas and Henry Seymour Edward was Lord Pro-Protector and Thomas high Admirall of England These two Brothers being knit and ioyned together in amity were like a Bunch of Arrowes not easily broke asunder but once dispersed distracted betwixt themselues they made but way for their Aduersaries how to assaile them with little disaduantage The two great Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolke Dudley and Gray murmuring that his Maiesties two Vncles should beare such great sway in the Kingdome by which their glory seem'd to bee eclipsed and darkned sought all meanes how to oppose this great vnited strength of Fraternall loue but finding that there was no other way leâ—t to cast this yoake from off their necks which their Ambition held to be intolerable but onely by making a disiunction of that brotherly loue which had so long continued and doubting how to worke it by their Seruants tooke a neerer course to effect it by their wiues and so to draw their ruines out of their owne bosomes and most successiuely to their owne purposes thus it happened Sir Thomas Seymour
Admirall the younger Brother married the Queene Dowager whose hap it was of all the rest to suruiue her husband she contested with her Sister in Law for precedence and priâ—ority of place both were priuately encouraged both swell'd alike with spleene neither would giue way to other the one claim'd it as she had beene once Queene the other challeng'd it as she was the present wife of the Protector the two Dukes were as suell to â—his fire new kindled beâ—â—â—wixt the women Dudâ—ey incenseth the one priâ—tely Gray encourageth the other secretly The wiues set their husbands at odds by taking their parts the Gordian knot of brotherly loue is therevpon dissolued Northumberland and Suffolke take hold of this aduantagious occasion insomuch that within a short time after the Admirall was questioned for Treason by consent of his brother condemned in Parliament and his head struck off at the Tower-hill March 20. 1549 his Brother the Protector with his owne hand signing the warrant for his death The one being thus remoued there was now lesse difficulty to supplant the other in the same month of Febr. in which his brother lost his head was the Protector coÌ„mitted to the Tower by the Lords of the Councell many Articles especially touching the gouernment of the State were commenced against him but the yeare after upon his submission to the Lords and intercession made for him by the King hee was released this proued but a Lightning before death his great and potent Aduersaries still prosecute their malice against him insomuch that not long after calling him to a second accompt when he had acquit himselfe of all such Articles of Treason as could bee inferred against him hee was in a tryall at Guild-hall conuicted of Felony and on the 22. of Ianuary was beheaded on the Tower-Hill These two next Kinsmen to the King the proppes and stayes on which the safety of his minoritie leaned the hinges on which the whole State turned being thus cut off it was a common feare and generall presage through the whole Kingdome that the two Vncâ—es being dead the Nephew would not suruiue long after and so accordingly it happened for now all such Gentle-men and Officers as the Protector had preferred for the Kings attendance were suddenly remoued and all such as were the Fauourites of the two Dukes onely suffered to come neere his person In the Interim was the Match concluded betwixt the Lord Guilford Dudley Son to the Duke of Northumberland the Lady Iane Gray daughter to the Duke of Suffolke Not long after the King fell sicke and dyed the 6. of Iuly in the 7th yeare of his Priâ—cely gouernment and oâ— the tenth of the same month was proclaymed Queene the Lady Iane It is to this day a question both how he dyed and where hee was buryed yet others say hee lyes buried at Westminster he was a Prince of that hope that it would seeme improper thus to leaue his honour in the dust vncharacterized Hee was studious for the propagation of the Gospell the refining and establishing of true Religion the foundation whereof his Father had proiected Images hee caused to be demolished and as Idolatrous to be taken out of all Churches within his Domininions the learned men of his time hee encouraged and commanded them to open and expound the Scriptures caused the Lords Supper to bee administred in both kinds vnâ—o his people In the third yeare of his Reigne by Parliamentall Decree hee abolished the Masse commanded the Liturgie to be made and our Common prayer and Seruice to be read in the English tongue hee was acute in witt graue in censure mature in Iudgement all which concurring in such tender yeeres were beyond admiration In the liberall Arts so frequent that he appeared rather innate and borne with them then either acquired by teaching or study All the Port-Townes and Hauens in England Scotland and France hee had adâ— vnguem not the least punctilio of any State affaires past beyond his obseruation nor did hee commit such obseruations to memory but had a chest euery yeare for the reseruation of such Acts as past the councell board himself keeping the key hee would appoynt certain hours to sit with the Master of Requests only to â—ispatch the cause of the Poore hee was the Inchoation and Instauration of a glorious Church and Common-weale hee was perfect in the Latine Greeke Italian French and Spanish tongues and as Cardanus reports was well seene in Logicke and the Principles of naturall Philosophy no stranger to Musicke singing at first sight in Melancthon's common-places hee was câ—â—uersant and all Cicero's workes with a great part of Titus Liuius two of Isocrates Orations hee translated out of the Originall into Latine hee was facetious and witty as may appeare in the fourth yeare of his reign thirteenth of his age being at Greenewich on S. Georges day comming from the Sermon with all the Nobility in State correspondent for the day said My Lords I pray you what Saint is S. George that wâ—e so much honour him heere this day The Lord Treasurer made answere If it please your Maiesty I did neuer in any History read of S. George but onely in Legenda aurea where it is thus set downe that S. George out with his sword ran the Dragon through with his speare The King hauing something vented himselfe with laughing replyed I pray you my Lord and what did hee with his sword the while That I cannot tell your Maiesty said hee To conclude hee was so well qualified that hee was not onely the forwardest Prince of all his Auncestors but the sole Phoenix of his time Dic mihi musa virum shew me such another As hee began and continued hopefully so hee ended Religiously being fallen sicke of a Plurisie some say consuÌ„ption of the lungs hauâ—ng made his peace with God and the world he lifted vp his eyes and hands to heauen prayed to himselfe thinking none to haue heard him after this manner Lord deliuer mee out of this miserable life and take me among thy chosen howbeit not my will but thy will be done Lord I commit my Spirit to thee O Lord thou knowest how happie it were for me to be with thee yet for thy chosens sake send me life and health that I may truly serue thee Oh my Lord God blesse thy people and saue thine inheritance Oh Lord God saue thy chosen people of England defend this Land from Papistry and maintaine thy true Religion that I and thy People may praise thy holy name for thy Sonne Iesus Christ's sake to which hee added Oh I faint haue mercy on me O Lord and receiue my Spirit With which eiaculation his life ended not without suspition of poyson deliuered him in a Nose-gay but the diuilish Treason not being enquired after neuer came to light The Lady Mary being at the time of the Kings death at Hunsdon in Hertfordshire was much
perplexed with the newes of the Proclamation of the Lady Iane as Queene of England but more especially vnderstanding that it was done by the consent of the whole Nobility herevpon the Suffolke men assemble themselues about her not liking such shuffling in State profer'd their free and voluntary seruice towards the attaining of her lawfull inheritance this being bruited at Court the great Duke of Northumberland hauing a large Commission granted and sigâ—ed with the great Seale of England by the vertue thereof raised an Army with purpose to suppress and surprize the Lady Mary the designe was no sooner aduanced and on foote but the Lords in generall repenting them of so great an iniurie done to the Kings Sister and the immediate Inheritrix sent a Countermand after him the Nobility forsooke him the Commons abandon'd him so that being come to Cambridge he with his Sons and some few seruants were left alone where notwithstanding he and his associates proclaimed the Lady Mary Queene of England in the Market-place yet for all this hee was arrested of high treason in the Kings Colledge from thence brought to the Tower and on a Scaffold on the Hill the 12. day of August lost his head This was the end of the great Duke of Northumberland Now those two great opposing Dukes Somerset and Northumb whose vnlimited Ambitions England the gouernement therof could not satiate one peece of ground containes them They lye quietly together in one small bed of earth before the Altar in St. Peters Church in the Tower betwixt two Queenes wiues of K. Henry the 8th Queene Anne and Queene Katherine all foure beheaded All their greatnesse and magnificence is couered ouer with these two narrow words Hic iacet Northumberland oâ—erthrew Somerset and â—aised himselfe vpon his Ruines Mary who was friend to neither but indifferent to both easily dispenced with the cutâ—ing off Northumberland thinking her selfe to stand more firme by his fall and ruine The Lady Elizabeth residing at her Mannour in â—he Country much lamented the death of her Brother being strangeâ—y perplexed in her mind as not knowing by any probable coniecture what these strange passages of State might come to but considering that amongst these tempestuous stormes her Sister Marie's and her owne were now at an Aduenture in one bottome she resolutely first ayded her Sister with 500. men her selfe the formost Prima ibi ante omnes then the storme being ouer shee attended her Maiestie in her Barge to the Tower where was released the Duke of Norfolke the Lord Courtney and Dr. Gardiner soone after diuers Bishops suspended in the dayes of her Brother Edward were restored viz. Dr. Gardiner to Winchester and Iohn Poynet put out Dr. Bonner to London and Nicholas Ridley confind ' â—ohn Day to Chichester â—nd Iohn Scory excluded Dr. Tonstall to Duresme Dr. Heath to Worcester â—ohn Hooper excluded â—nd committed to the Fleete Dr. Vesey to Exeâ—er and Couerdaleâ—ashier'd â—ashier'd The miseraâ—le face of a wretched Kingdome began now â—o appeare They that â—â—oulâ— dissemble their Religion tooke no great are how things went â—ut such whose consciâ—nces were ioyned to â—uth perceiuing that â—e Lamps of the Sanctuâ—y began to shine dim â—eing those bright Taâ—ers pull'd out of their â—ckets and extinguiâ—shed concluded that coles were now kindled which would proue the destruction of many a good Christian which accordingly happened From the Tower of London the Queene rode through the City towards her Pallace at West-minster The Lady Elizabeth to whom all this while shee shewed a pleasant and gracious out-side rode in a Chariot next after her drawne with sixe Horses trapt in cloath of siluer the Chariot being couered with the same wherein sate only to accompany her the Lady Anne of Cleue The fifth day of October shee was crown'd at West-minster by Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester Dr. Thomas Cranmer being at that time in the Tower The Lady Elizabeth was most Princely attended at her Sisters Coronation fiue dayes after began the Parliament wherein besides the supplantation of the reformed Religion Guilford Dudley and the Lady Iane his wife lately proclaymed Queene were both arraigned and conuicted of treason As for the Lady Iaâ—e how vnwilling shee was to take the imperiall dignitie vpon her doth appeare by this letter following sent to her Father a little before her death FAther althoug it hath pleased God to hasten my death by you by whom my life should rather haue been lengthened yet can I so patienâ—ly take it that I yeeld God more hearty thanks for shortning my wofull dayes than if all the world had beene giuen into my possessions with life lengthened at my owne will And albeit I am very well assured of your impatient dolours redoubled many wayes both â—â—bewaâ—ling our owne wo â—nd espâ—cially as I am informed my wofull estate yet my deare father if I may without â—ffence reioyce in my owne mishaps herein I may account my selfe blessed that washing my hands with the innocence of my fact my guiltless blood may cry before the Lord mercie to the innocent And yet though I must needes acknowledge that being constrained and as you know well enough continually assayed yet in taking vpon me I seemed to consent and therein grieuously offended the Queene and hâ—r Lawes yet do I assuredly trust that this my offence towards God is so much the lesse in that being in so Royall estate as I was my enforced honour neâ—uer mingled with mine innocent heart And thus good father I haue opened vnto you the state wherein I presently stand my death at hand althought to you perhaps it may seeme wofull yet to mee there is nothing that can bee more welcome than from this vale of misery to aspire to that hâ—â—uenly thrâ—ne of all ioy and pleasure with Christ my Sauiour in whose stedfast faith if it may be lawfull for the daughter so to write to the father the Lord that hath hitherto strengthened you so continue to keepe you that at the last wee may meet in heauen with the Father Son and holy Ghost I am Your obedient Daughter till death IANE DVDLEY Shee was no way conscious of those illegall proceedings practised against the Queene by her owne and her husbands father much griefe there was for the Lady Iane the Queene her selfe tooke the sadnesse of her estate into consideration gaue her leaue to walke in the Queenes Garden not debarring her of any pleasant prospect belonging to the Tower and had not her father after first offence remitted ran headlong into a second it is generally conceiued shee would haue pardoned her life his mis-councelled rashnes hasten'd the deaths of these 2 Innocents Guilford and Iane The Statists of that time especially such as were addicted to the Romish faction held it not policie to suffer any that were addicted to the contrary faction to liue especially if they could entrap them being fallen into any lapse of the law therfore vpon the
it fell out iust about midnight the difficulty alleadged was lest that being in the darke shee might perhaps be rescued therefore the next day being Palme-Sunday they repaired vnto her Lodging againe and desired her to prepare her selfe for that was the latest houre of her liberty she must to the Barge presently whereunto shee answered The Lords will be done since it is her Highnesse pleasure I am therewith very well contented passing through the Garden and the guard to take water shee looked backe to euery window and seeing none whose lookes might seeme to coÌ„passionate her afflictions said thus I wonder whither the Nobility intends to leade me being a Princesse and of the Royall bloud of England Alasse why being an harmeles innocent woman am I thus hurryed to captiuity the Lord of Heauen knowes whither for I my selfe doe not Great hast was made to see her safe in the Barge and much care to haue her passe by London vnseene which was the occasion that both she and they were engaged to remarkable danger the Tyde being young the Barge-men fear'd to shoot the Bridge but being forced to it against their wils the sterne struck against one of the Arches and wanting water grated against the Channell with great hazard to be ouerwhelmed but God in his mercy preseru'd her to a fairer fortune Shee was landed at the Tower-stayres the same intended for Traytors loath she was to haue gone ashore there laying open her innocent and loyall behauiour both towards the Queene and present State but being cut short by the churlish reply of one who was her conuoy shee went ashore and stept short into the water vttering these words I speake it before thee O God hauing no friend but thee in whom to put my confidence heere landeth as true a subiect being Prisoner as euer landed at these stayres since Iulius Caesar laid the first foundation of this structure Well if it proue so said one of the Lords it will be the better for you as shee passed along the warders then attending bade God blesse her Grace for which some were rebuked in words others by a mulct in the purse She was then deliuered to the charge of the Constable of the Tower who receiued her as his Prisoner and told her that hee would shew her to her Lodgings but shee being faint began to complaine the good Earle of Sussex seeing her colour began to faile she ready to sinke vnder his armes call'd for a Chayre but the Constable would not suffer it to be brought â—en shee sate downe vpon a faire stone at which time there fell a great shower of raine the Heauens themselues did seeme to weepe at such inhumane vsage Sussex offered to cast his Cloake about her but she by no means would admit it Then the Lieftenant M. Bridges entreated her to withdraw her selfe from the violence of the storme into some shelter to whom she answer'd I had better to sit here then in a â—orser place for God knoweth not I whither you intend to lead me At which words looking vpon heâ— Gentleman-Vsher and seeing his eyes full oâ— teares shee told him he did not well to disconâ—oâ—â— late her with his sorrow who had so much griefâ— of her owne that sheâ— doubted whether sheâ— had strength enough 〈◊〉 support it Being lock'd and bolted in her Lodgings with some of her seruants she was much daunted and perplexed but called to her Gentle-woman for her booke desiring God not to suffer her to lay her foundation vpon the sands but vpon the Rock whereby all blasts of blustering weather might not preuaile against her whereunto shee added The skill of a Pilot is vnknowne but in a tempest the valour of a Captaine is vnseene but in a battell and the worth of a Christian is vnknowne but in tryall and temptation this earthly Globe O Lord is but a Theater on which thou hast placed vs to get some proofe from hence of our sufficiencie death will assaile vs the world will entice vs the flesh will seeke to betray vs and the Diuell ready to deuoure vs but all this and much more shall neuer deiect my spirits for thou O King of Kings art my Spectator and thy Son Christ my Sauiour Iesus hath already vndergone these tryals for my encouragement I will therefore come boldly to the throne of Grace there it is I am sure that I shall find comfort in this time of neede though an Hoast should encampe against mee my heart shall not feare though warre should rise against mee in this will I be confident Thou Lord art my light and my saluation whom shall I feare thou Lord art the strength of my life of whom shall I be affraid In this Interim the Lords tooke aduice about a more strict watch and ward to be set vpon her all agreeing that it should be exactly performed but the good Earle of Sussex was very passionate to heare all this and said My Lords my Lords let vs take heede and doe no more then our Commission will well beare consider that â—he was the King our Maâ—ters Daughter and therefore let us vse such dealing 〈◊〉 may hereafter proue answerable the other Lord agreed to his words saying it was well spoke of him and so for that time departed Two dayes after Gardiner making vse of the Queenes name and authority caused Masse to bee inforcedly said and sung before her which seemed to be the greatest tryall shee had till that time endured but necessity hauing no law shee was forced to giue way to it and not vnaduisedly that spirit is prodigious which rather than shake hands with inconueniencie would cast it self into the iaweâ— of danger shee with 〈◊〉 setled countenance swallowed downe vpon extremity the bitter potion of indignity shee would rather bow then breake rather strike sayle then perish in the storme the greatnesse of her mind gaue place to the weakenesse of her meanes because shee could not harbor where shee would she anchored where shee might with best security Philip of Spaine being interressed in this Story as one whom God vsed for an instrument to preserue the Lady Elizabeth All those that interposed his comming into the Kingdome being cut off namely the Duke of Suffolke Sir Thomas Wâ—at with all his consederacie and the much suspected Lady Elizabeth being vnder safe custody in the Tower I hope it will not bee impertinent to impart somwhat of his landing Marriage and Coronation On the twentieth day of Iuly Anno 1554. hee arriued at South-hampton and was there honourably met and receiued by the Queenes Counsell and the greatest part of the Nobility at his first setting foote on Land the Garâ—er was presented to him and fastned about his Legge before hee would enter into any house hee went first to the Church of Holy-Rood there to giue thankes for his prosperous and successfull Voyage hauing spent about halfe an houre in deuotion
he mounted on a goodly Iennet richly Caparison'd sent to him that morning froÌ„ the Queen and rod backe againe to his Lodging neere adioyning to the Water-gate The Monday following he left South-hampton and being most honourably attended by the Nobility and Gentry of England hee rode toward Winchester but by reason of much raine that fell that day the iourney seemed lesse pleasant The next day betwixt sixe and seauen in the Euening hee was there receiued magnificently and rode to Church before hee saw his Lodgings lowd Musicke sounded at his alighting The Bishop of that Sea with foure others met him at the Church-dore with Priests Singing-men and Choristers attired in rich Copes with three faire Crosses borne before them At his first entrance into the Church hee kneeled downe to pray which done he arose and went vnder a Canopye from the West dore vp to the Quire perceiuing the Sacrament hee put off his hat to doe it reuerence then entred into a goodly trauerse hung with rich Arras there kneeled againe till the Chancellour began Te Deum and all the Quire seconded that done hee was brought thence by Torch-light going on foote to his Lodgings where the Queens guard attended on him all the way as he passed along he turned himselfe to the people on both sides w th a pleasant countenance After Supper certaine of the Councell brought him to the Queene by a priuate way shee receiued him both graciously and louingly they had conference together about halfe an houre in the Spanish tongue which ended he tooke his leaue and was conducted back to his Lodging Vpon Tuesday following about three in the afternoone he came from his Lodging on foot accompanyed by the Lord Steward the Earles of Derby and Pembrooke with other Lords and Gentlemen as well strangers as English hee was all in blacke Cloath he shewed himselfe freely and openly to all men at his entrance into the Court lowd Musique plaid the Queene met him in the great Hall and kissed him in the presence of all the people and taking him by the right hand they went vp together into the great Chamber of Presence and talked together about a quarter of an houre hee then tooke his leaue of her Maiesty â—ent to the Cathedrall to heare Euen-song from thence was conueyed to his Lodgings with torch-light On St. Iames day being the Tutelary Saint of Spaine Iuly 25. the King and Queene came from their Lodgings towards the Church all on foote richly attired in gownes of Cloth of gold set with Stones and Iemms hee with his Gard and shee with hers each of them hauing a sword borne before them that of hers by the Earle of Derby the other of his by the Earle of Pembrooke being come into the Church he went to one Altar and she to another both hanged with Curtaines of Cloth of gold which being after drawn it was thought that they were there shriuen then they resumed their places and being met courteously saluted each other hee being at that time bare-headed Sixe Bishops went to the place prepared for the Ceremony the King was on the left hand and shee on the right Winchester celebrated the Nuptials first in Latine then in English the marriage Ring was a plaine hoop Ring of gold without any Stone the Ceremonies being consummate they both went hand in hand together comming to the Altar they both kneeld a while with each of them a lighted Taper in their hand After the Masse was ended the King of Heralds openly in the Church proclaimed their Maiesties King and Queene with their Stiles and Titles as followeth PHilip and Mary by the Grace of God King and Queene of England France Naples Ierusalem and Ireland Deâ—fendors of the Faith King and Queene of Spayne Sicilia Leon and Arragon Arch-Dukes of Austria Dukes of Millaine Burgundie and Brabant Countees of Hasborough Flanders and â—irroll Lords of the Ilands of Sardinia Maiorca Minorca of the Firme-land and the great Ocean Sea Palatines of Henault and the holy Empire Lords of Freezeland and Ireland Gouernours of all Asia and Affrica The Trumpets ceasing the King and Queene â—ame forth hand in hand royally attended and dyâ—ed together openly in the Hall at one Table On the eighteenth of August they came to Suffolke place in Southwarke there they dined after dinner roade ouer the Bridge and so through London to Wâ—st-minster great Triumphes met them by the way with the presentation of diuers Pageants Shewes hauing reference to theiâ— Persons and the great ioy conceâ—ued of their Royall Marriage Heere is one Sister in her Maiesty the other iâ— misery the one vpon her Throne the other iâ— the Tower euery day expecting some neweâ— or other of her deathâ— it would make a pittifulâ— and strange Story to relate what examinations and rackings of poore men there was to finde but out that knife which might cut her throat Gardiner with diuers others of the Councell came to haue a second examination of her demanding what conference shee had with Sr. Iames Acrofts being then a Prisoner in the Tower and brought into her presence on set purpose to confront her alleadging that the speech which they had priuately was about her remouall froÌ„ Abridge to Dunnington Castle At the first shee was somewhat amazed not remembring that shee had any such House but hauing recollected her selfe I doe remember my honourable Lords that I haue such a House but me thinkes you doe me great iniury thus to presse examine and produce euery petty meane Prisoner against mee if they haue beene Delinquents and donâ— ill let them at their owne perill answer it but neither number mee nor ioyne mee with such malefactors and offendors as touching my Remoue to Dunnington my officers and you Sir Ia. Crofts being then present can wel testifie whether any rash or vnbeseeming word did at that time passe my lippes which might not haue well become a faithfull and loyall Subiect but what is all this to the purpose my Lords might I not without offence goe to my House at all times when I best pleased At which words the E. of Arundell kneeling downe said Your Grace saith truth and for mine owne part I am much greeued that you should bee thus troubled about matâ—ers of no greater moment â—ell my good Lords said â—he you sift me very narâ—owly but you can doe no â—ore vnto me then God in â—is diuine prouidence hath â—ppointed and to him oneâ—â— will I direct my prayers 〈◊〉 forgiue you all Sr. Iames Crofts kneeled vnto her being heartily sory that euer hee should see that day to bee a witnesse against her taking God to witnesse that hee neuer knew any thing by her worthy of the least suspition yet notwithstanding there appeared noâ— the least probability oâ— any fault nothing buâ— meere suspitions sugâ—gestions could bee obieâ—cted shee was still kepâ— close Prisoner the Conâ—stable of the Tower theâ— L.
the like honour he could neuer obtaine as he should haue by deliuering her out of Prison which was not long after effected Sir Henry Benning-field staying long at Court made her iealous that his businesse was not greatly for her good during his residence there one Basset a Gentleman and great Fauonrite to the Bish. of Winchester came to Blanden-bridge a mile distant from Wood-stocke where met him twenty men well appointed and secretly arm'd in priuy Coates From thence they came to the house ernestly desiring to speak with the Princesse about serious and important affaires but by Gods great prouidence Sir Henry her Keeper had left so strict a charge behind him that no liuing Soule might haue access vnto her vpon what occasion soeuer till his returne no not though a messenger were dispatched from the Councell or the Queeene her selfe hee should not bee admitted by which extraordinary Prouidence of God drawing the meanes of her safety euen from the malice of her aduersaries their bloody enterprize was vtterly disappointed these things with other of the like nature being deliuered vnto her her doubts and feares dayly more and more increasing it is constantly reported that hearing the Milke-maids morning euening singing so sweetly considering their hearts to be so light and hers so heauy their freedome her bondage their delights abroad her dangers within shee wished euen froÌ„ her soule both for safety of her person and security of her Conscience that no Royall bloud at at all ran in her veynes but that she had beene descended from some meane and humble Parentage Queene Mary was bruited to bee with Child great thanksgiuing was made and prayers for that purpose were appointed to bee read in Churches King Philip was chosen by a decree in Parliament Protector of the Infant Male or Female yet notwithstanding hee greatly fauoured the Lady Elizabeth her aduersity made him very iealous of the English Nation apprehending that if they aymed at the life of a Naturalist being their Queene and Soueraigns Sister they would then make it a small scruple of Conscience to assault him and his Followers being meere Aliens and strangers hee did therefore hasten her enlargement which happly was granted within few dayes after but before her departure froÌ„ Woodstocke hauing priuate notice that one M. Edmond Tremaine and M. Smithweeke were on the Racke and strictly vrged to haue accused her innocence at her remoue froÌ„ thence shee wrote these two Verses with her Diamond in a glasse window Much suspected by me Nothing proued can be Quoth Elizabeth Prisoner Immediately after order came down to bring her vp to Court wherevpon all things were prepared for the iourney Sir Hen Benningfield with his souldiers the Lord of Tame and Sir Henry Chamberlaine were her guardians on the way as shee came to Ricot the wind was so high that her seruants had much adoe to keepe her cloaths about her her hood was blowne from her head twice or thrice wherevpon shee desired to retyre her selfe to a Gentlemans house neere adioyning to dresse vp her head which by the vioâ—lence of the winde was all vnready the request was reasonable and modest but S. Henry would not by any meanes permit it insomuch as shee was faine alight vnder a hedge and there to trim her selfe as well as shee could that night shee lay at Ricot the next day they iourneyed to M. Dormers and the third to Colebrooke lying at the signe of the George diuers of her Gentlemen came thither to see her but by the Queens command were immediately sent out of the towne to both their and her Graces no small heauinesse being not so much as suffered to speake to each other the next day following her Grace entred Hampton Court on the Backside the doores being shut vpon her the Souldiers in their ancient posture of watch and ward she lay there fourteene dayes before any man had admittance vnto her many were her fears her cares doubled but at length a Sonne of Consolation appeared the Lord William Howard came vnto her vsed her very honourably condol'd with her and rais'd her deiected Spirits with comfortable speeches wherein shee conceiued much ioy and requested his Fauourable encouragement that she might speake with some of the Councell which he most louingly effected for not long after came her fast friend the Bishop of Winchester accompanied with the Lords of Arondell and Shrewsbury and Secretary Peter who with great humility humbled themselues to her grace she was not behind in courtesie but louingly resaluted them againe and said My hoâ—ourable Lords I am glad with all my heart to see your faces for mee thinks I haue beene kept a great while from you desolately alone committed to the hands of a strict keeper my humble Request is to all your Lordships that you would bee the happy instruâ—ments of my further inlargâ—ment it is not vnknowne vnto you what I haue sufâ—fered now a long time I beseech you therefore to take me into your louing Consideration the Bishop of Winchester kneeling down replied thus Let mee request your grace but to submit your selfe to the Queene and then I doubt not but that you shall presently enioy an happy issue of your desires No said she rather then I will so doe I will lye in prison all the dayes of my life if euer I haue offeÌ„ded her maiesty in thought word or deed then not mercy but the law is that which I desire if I yeeld I should then speake against my selfe confes a fault which was neuer on my part intended by occasion wherof the K. Q may then iustly coÌ„ceiue an euill opinion of me no no my Ls. it were much better for me to lye in prison for the truth then to be at liberty suspected by my Prince she had no sooner vttered the words but they al departed promising to declare her mind to the Qu. On the next day the B. of Winch. came vnto her againe and kneeling on his knees declared that the Qu. wondred that she should so stoutly stand out not confessing to haue offended so that it should seeme the Q. Maiesty had wrongfully imprison'd her no said she I ner'ehad any such thought it may please her Maiesty to punish me as she thinketh good well quoth he her Maiesty willed me to tell you that you must tell another tale before you are set at Liberty Alas said she I had rather bee here in custody with honesty and truth then abroade at Liberty suspected by my Prince and this that I haue said I will stand to for I will neuer belye my selfe why then said he your grace hath the aduantage of of mee and the rest of the Lords for your long and wrong imprisonment what aduantage I haue said she God and your own conscience can best tell and here before him I speake it for that dealing which I haue had amongst you I seek no remedy but
pray that God may forgiue you all Amen Amen said he and so departed seuen dayes nights she continued lockt vp in her lodgings not so much as hauing seene the Queene though both vnder one Roofe yet at last after many Letters written long Suite and great friends made she was admitted to the presence of the Queene whose face in two yeeres and more she had not seene King Philip hauing before mediated for her and placed himselfe vnknowne to the Queene behind the haÌ„gings of Arras on purpose to heare the discourse her grace about ten of the clock at night was sent for into the presence the suddennesse of the message did somwhat daunt her especially being at that time of the night wherevpon she entreated those that were about her to pray for her and then with the constancy of her former resolution shee went towards the presence where being entred finding her Maiesty sitting in her Chaire of State after three conges she humbly fel down vpon her knees praying for the health long life and preseruation of her Maiestie protesting her truth and loyalty towards her person notwithstanding whatsoeuer had been maliciously suggested to the contrary whereunto the Q. very sharpely answered Then you will not confesse your selfe to be a delinquent I see but stand perâ—mptorily vpon your truth and innocence I pray God they may so fall out If not replied the Princesse I neither require fauour nor pardon at your Maiesties hands Well said the Queene then you stand so stiffly vpon your faith and loyalty that you suppose your selfe to haue been wrongfully punished and imprisoned I cannot said she nor must not say so to you why then belike said the Queene you will report it to others Not so replied the good Lady I haue borne and must beare the burthen my selfe and if I may but enioy your Maiesties good opinion of me I shall be the better enabled to beare it still and I pray God that when I shall cease to be one of your Maiesties truest and loyall subiects that then I may cease to bee at all The Queene onely replied in Spanish Dios lo sabe that is God knoweth it and so turning aside left her to bee conueyed to her former custody King Philip hauing priuately ouer-heard the Conference was now fully settled in a good opinion of her loyalty hee well perceiued the inueterate malice of her Aduersaries and her extraordinary patience in such a trial did forthwith take order for her deliuerance she in the interim remayned very solitary not knowing what the euent woâ—ld be not one word of comfort could she imagine to haue proceeded from her Sister yet after long expectation in this deluge of sorrows a doue appeared with an oliue braÌ„ch in her mouth within seuen dayes after by the intercession of som eminent friends she was discharged of her keeper Sir Henry Beningfield yet so that Sir Thomas Pope one of her Maiesties priuy Councell and Master Gage her Gentleman vsher were made superintendents ouer her the change was howsoeuer most happy she was now in liber a custodia vnder the haÌ„ds of her louing friends with whom shee went downe into the Country and there spent the Remaynder of her Sisters raigne The bishop of Winchester and others of his faction look'd blacke in the mouth to see all their plots discouered all their deuices frustrate yet rather then they would giue off they would play at small game because they could not touch the Lady Elizabeth they would haue a fling at her household and at those who were neerest vnto her person A warrant was sent downe for no lesse then foure of her Gentlewomen at one time which the Lady no sooner heard of but said they will fetch away all in time but not long after it so pleased God that Gar. himselfe was fetched away to giue account for his actions howsoeuer his death was the cause why she liued in lesse feare and more quietnesse Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester hath had a long and tedious part in the troubles of the Lady Elizabeth not one Scene of all her Tragicall Story but he hath had a share in it it will not I hope bee therefore impertinent to write a line or two of his Exit wherin I will wade no further then the warrant of sufficient Authority shall direct me The same day that those two bright shining lamps Bishop Ridley and Master Latimer were extinguished at Oxford Gardiner had inuited the Duke of Norfolke and others to dinner but caused the good old Duke to stay for it till about 3 or 4 a clock in the afternoone being as it should seem not disposed to dine till he had heard that fire was put to the two good Martyrs he would not feede his own body till theirs were quit consumed at length came in a seruant betwixt 3 and 4 and informed him of the certainty thereof he no sooner vnderstood it but came out with great ioy to the Duke and said Come now lets vs goe to dinner the meat was serued in he fell merrily aboard but before the second messe came in he fell sick at the table and was immediatly remoued theÌ„ce to bed where he remayned full 15. dayes in such anguish torments that he could not voyd what he had receiued either by vrine or otherwise lyin in this extremity Doctor Day Bishop of Winchester came to visite and comfort him with words of Gods promise and free Iustification in the bloud of Christ Iesus which he no sooner heard but he answered thus What my Lord will you open that gap now then farewell all together to me and such other in my case you may speak it but open that Cazement once to the people then farewell all together more hee would haue spoke but his toÌ„gue being so swell'd with the inflammation of his body he became speechlesse and soone after died After the death of Gardiner one or other of the good Ladies Aduersaries dropt away insomuch that by little and little her dangers decreased feares diminished and hope of comfort as out of a thick cloud beganne to appeare she spent the remaynder of her Sisters reigne in thankes-giuing and prayses vnto Gods who had thus mercifully preserued her The time of Queene Mariâ—s reckoning being come rumours were spred abroad that shee was already deliuered of a sonne yea and such a one as it was then suspected was readily prepared whereof King Philip being informed and â—corning that by any such Impostory a counterfeit brood should be the heyre of all his Kingdomes would not depart the Chamber all the time of her trauell by which meanes the Plot tooke no effect howsoeuer the rumour of this young Heyre made the Bells ring merily in London spread it selfe as farre as Antwerpe where it was entertained with great triumphs both on Land and Sea towards which charge an hundred Pistolets were conferr'd on the Officers by the