but God forgive you wherefore Sir applying her self to the King it seemes to me to be no justice that I should stand to the order of this court seeing one of my Judges to be so partiall and if I should agree to stand to the judgement of this Court what Couâ—cellours hâ—vâ— I but such as are your owne Subjects taken from your own Counsell to which they are privy and perhaps dare not go against it wherefore I refuse to stand to their advicâ— or plea or any judgement that is here and doe appeale unto the Sea 〈◊〉 before our holy Father the Pope humbly beseeching you by the way of charity to spâ—re me till I may know what further course my friends in Spaine will advise me to and if this may not be granted then your pleasure be fulfilled With that making a low obeysance to the King she dâ—parted the Court leaving behinde her many â—â—d hearts and weeping eyes among the which this good Bishop of Rochester was most compassionate After she was perceived to be quite departed from the Court for it was supposed that she meant to have returned to her place the King commanded that she should be called back againe but she would not in any wise returne saying to those that were about her This is no place for me to expect any indifferency for they are all agreed what they will doe and the King is resolved what shall be done Soe she departed cleare away from the Court and never afterwards did she appeare there any more CHAP. X. 1. The good Character which the King gave his Queen Katharine 2. The King declares his scruple of Conscâ—ence 3. Shewes the danger the Kingdom is in for lack of issue Male. 4. His procâ—â—dings with the Bishops therein THe King peroeiving that she was thus departed spake unto the Court as followeth Forasmuch as the Queene is now gone I will declare in her absence before you all that she hath ever been to me as true obedient and conformable a wife as I could wish or any man desire to have as having alâ— the vertuous qualities that ought to be in a woman of her dignity she is high born as the quality of her conditions do declare yet of so meek a spirit as if her humility had not been acquainted with her birth so that if I sought all Europe over I should never finde a better wife and therefore how willing I wâ—uld if it were lawfull continue her to be my wife â—â—ill Death make the separation yeâ— may all guess but Conscience Conscience is such a thing who can endure the sting and prick of Conscience alwaies stinging and pricking witâ—in his breast Wherefore my Lords this woman this good woman I say sometimes bâ—ing my brothâ—rs wife as ye all know or have heard hâ—â—h bred such a scruple within the secrets of my breast as daily doth torment cumber and disquiet my minde fearing and mistrusting that I am in great danger of Gods indignation and the rather because he hath sent me no issue Male but such as died incontinently after they were born Thus my Conscience being tossed to and fro upon these unquiet waves almost in despaire of having any other issue by her it behoveth me I think to look â— little further and to consider now the welfare of this Realm and the great danger that it standeth in for lack of a Prince to succeed me in this office and therefore I thought good in respect of the discharging of my conscience and for the quiet state of this noble Realm to attempâ— the Law herein that is to know by your good and learned counsell whether I might lawfully take another wife by whom God may send me issue Male in case this my first marriage should appeare not warrantable and this is the onely cause for which I have sought thus farre unto you and not for any displeasure or disliking of the Queenes pâ—rson or age with whom I could be as well contented to live and continue if our marriage may stand with the Laws of God as with any woman living and in this point consisteth all the doubt wherein I would be satisfied by the sound Learning Wisdome and Judgements of you my Lords the Prelates and Pastors of this Realme now here assembled for that purpose and according to whose determination herein I am contented to submit my selfe with all obedience and that I meant not to wade in so weighty a matter of my selfe without the opinion and judgement of my Lords spirituall it may well appeare in this that shortly after the coming of this scruple into my conscience I moved it to you my Lord of Lincolne my ghostly Father and forasmuch as you your selfe my Lord were then in some doubt you advised me to ask the counsell of the rest of the Bishâ—ps whereuponâ— moved you my Lord of Canterbury fiâ—st to have your Licence inasmuch as you were the Metropolitan to put this matter in question as I did to all the rest the which you all have granted under your Seales which I have here to shew That is true and if it please your Grace said the Bishop of Canterbury and I doubt not but my brethren here will acknowledge the same Now you must understand that the King having won the Archbishop wholly to his designe the Archbishop had got as many of the Bishops hands unto that Deed as he could and set the rest of the Bishops hands thereto of his own accord they both imagining that none would have been so bold as to contradict or charge so openly both the King and the Archbishop of an untruth but my Lord of Rochester being of an undaunted spirit and one of the Queenes Counsell assigned whereby he might deliver his mind the better knowing the clearnesse of his own conscience said unto the Archbishop No my Lord not so under your favour all the Bishops were not so farre agreed for to that instrument you have neither my hand nor my seale No 〈◊〉 said the King and with a â—rowning countenâ—ncâ— said to my Lord of Rochester Look here Is not this your hand and seale shewing him the instrument no forsooth said the Bishop it is none of my hand nor seale How say you to that said thâ— King to my Lord of Canterbury Sir said heâ— it is his hand and his seale No my Lord said the Bâ—shop of Rochester indeed you were in hand with me often for my hand and seal as others of my Lords have been but I alwaies told both you and them I would in no wise consent to any such act for it was much against my conscience to have any such businesse called in question and therefore my hâ—nd and seale should never be put to any such instrument God willing with a great deale more which I said to that purpose if you remember Indeed said my Lord of Canterbury it is true you had such words with me but after our talk ended you were at last contented that I should
taken as undoubtedly true siâ—cere and perfect which Marriage carrying with it the soveraign imfortunity of all second Marriages being compleated the same Parliament enacted a Statuâ—e which declared the establishment of the Kings succession in the imperiall Crowne to be upon the issue which he was to have by the present Queene Anne ratifying whatsoever the foresaid Archbishop of Canterbury had decreed and disinheriting the issue which the King had by the foresaid Lady Katharine from all title to the foresaid Crowne and Government or that if any person of what state and condition soever shall by writing printing or any exteriour Act or Deed procure or doe any thing to the prejudice slander disturbance or deâ—ogation of the said Matrimony or the issue growing of the same every such person shall be deemed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer such punishment as in case of high Treason is provided and for the better keeping of this Act the Kings Majesty together with his Counsellours of their owne authority framed an Oâ—th upon the breaking up of this Parliament which was upon the 30. day of Maâ—ch and tendred it the same day to all the Lords both spirituall and temporall as likewise to all the Commons and was to be tendred to whom the Commissioners for the same purpose should call before them the words of which Oath were these viz. Ye shall swear to beare Faith Truth and all Obedience onely to the Kings Majesty and to his heires of his body and of his most dear and entirely beloved wife Queen Anne begotten and to be begotten and further to the heires of our Soveraigne Lord according to the limitation made in the Statute for surety of his succession in the Crown of this Realm mentioned and contained and not to any other within this Realme nor to any other forraign Authority or Potentate whatsoever and in case any Oath be made or hath been made by you to any person or persons that then ye doe repute the same as vaine and annihilate and that to your cunning wit and utmost endeavours ye shall observe keep maintain and defend the said Act of Succession all the whole effects and intents thereof and all other Acts and Statutes made in confirmation and for exâ—cution of the same or any thing therein contained and this ye shall do against all manner of persons of what estate dignity degree or condition soever they be and in no wise do or attempt nor to your power suffer to be done or attempted directly any thing or things privily or openly to the let hindrance danger or derogation thereof or if any part of the same by any manner of meanes or any manner of pretences So help you God and all his Saints and the holy Evangelist Which Oath all the Lords both spirituall and temporall took except the Bishop of Rochester who absolutely refused it So the Parliament was ended But The said Bishop had not been 4 daies quiet within his Palace of Rochester but a Letter came to him from the Archbishop of Canterbury together with other of the Commissioners willing him personally to appear before them in the said Archbishops house by a certain day expressed within the Letter all excuses set a part And CHAP. XIX 1. The Bishop of Rochester summoned to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury 2. Sir Thomas Mâ—or and Dr. Wilson committed for refusing the Oath 3. The Bishop of Rochester sent to the Tower for the same cause 4. A Parliament is called wherein the Bishops imprisonment was voted lawfull 5. The Supremacy of the Church conferred upon the King c. by Act of Pâ—â—liament absolutely and wâ—â—â—out the foâ—mer clause 6. An Act 〈◊〉 Parliament making iâ— treason to deny the King to be supreme head of the Church NOw was the thing come to passe which was noâ—hing terrible to him because it was foreseen wherefore he first makes his Will and leaves severall Lâ—gacies to divers persons and uses as to Michael house in Cambridge where he received his Education to St. Iohns Colledge to the Poore to some of his 〈…〉 to all his Servants whom he leaves weeping behinde him whiles the rest followed him lamâ—nting his condition in his journey towards Lambeth Passing thorough the City of Rochester there were a multâ—tude of pâ—ople gathered together both citizens and countreymen to whom he gave his benediction riding by them all the while bâ—â—eheaded some crying that they should never see him again others denouncing woes unto them that were the ocâ—asions of his troubles others crying out against the wickednesse of the times and all of them lamenting and bewailing that whâ—ch was their miserie and his glory Thus he passed on his way till he came to Sutors hill twenty miles from Rochester on the top whereof he rested himself descending from his horse and causing to be brought before him such victuals as he had caused to be brought thither for that purpose he said he would now make use of his time and dine in the open aire while as he might after which dinner he chearfully took his horse and came to London the same night The day of his appearance being come he presented himselfe before the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth the Lord Audely Chancelour of England Thomas Cromwell the Kings Secretary and the rest of the Commissioners authorised under the great Seale of England to call before them whom they pleased and to tender unto them the foresaid Oath then sitting at Lambeth where at the same tune the Bishop met with Sir Thomas Moore who welcomed and saluted the Bishop in these termes Well met my Lord I hope we shall meet in Heaven to which the Bishop replyed This should be the way Sir Thomas for it is a very strait gate we are in There had been Doctor Wilson sometime the Kings Confessor who together with Sir Thomas Moore had both of them refused the Oath a little before the Bâ—shops coming for which the Knight was committed for the present to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster as the Doctor had been formerly committed to the Tower of London at which time also the Clergie of London were warned to appeare about the same businesse who all of them took the Oath at the same time Then was it that the Bâ—shop of Râ—chester was called before the Archbâ—shop c. who putting the Bâ—shâ—p in remembrance of the Act which was made by the late Parliament whâ—ch had provided an Oâ—th to be administred to all persons within this Râ—alm concerning the establâ—shment of the Succession c. how all the Lords both spirituall and temporall had taken the said Oath onely himself excepted how grievoâ—sly his Majesty was offended with him therefore how he had gâ—ven strict charge to himself and the rest of the Commissioners to call him before them and to tender unto him the Oath once more presented unto him the Oath laying it before him and demanded of him what he would say thereto the good man pâ—rusing
it awhile requested that he might have some timâ— to considâ—r upon it the Commissioners consulting with themselves awhile granted him five daies to coâ—sider upon it and so dismissing him for the present whence he departed to his owne house in Lambeth Marsh. During which small time of his abode there there came divers of hâ—s friends rather to take their leaves of thâ—n to vâ—sit him among which one Mr. Seton and Mr. Bransby Substitutes of the Masters and Fellows of the two Câ—lâ—edges to which he had shewed himself so much their friend partly to salute him in the name of the two Societies and partly to dâ—sire his confirmation of their Statutes under his Seale which he had drawn long before but the Bishop desired to have some further time to consider of them as he intended alas said the two Gâ—â—tlemen we fear your time is now too short to read them before you go to prison It is no matter said the Bâ—shop then I will read them in prison that will hardly be permitted said the Trustees if you come once there then Gods will be done said the Bishop for I shall hardly be drawn to put my seale to that which I have not well considered of howsoever said he if the worst should happen there is Mr. Cowper a worthy reverend man and a Bachelour in Divinity that hath the copy of the same Statutes which I have if I do not or cannot according to my desire peruse them I will give it you under my Seale that if you like them that shall be unto you a confirmation for I am pâ—rswaded that one time or other those Statutes will take place and accordingly it hapned for when this Master Cowper long after the imprisonment and death of the Bâ—shop of Rochester and the change and alteration of the times which had made Relâ—gion Lords and Lawes all new commiâ—ted this Book of Statutes to the custody of one M. T Watson a man that afterwards came to great honor estimation for his profound learning was afterwards elected to the Mastership oâ— S. Iohn's Colledge and afterwards to the Bishoprick of London who as the Bâ—shop of Rochester foretold restored them to the house who admitted them as their onely Lawes whereby they were wholy governed during the reign of Queen Mary The time being come when the good Bishop was to give an account of the Premises he presenâ—ed himself before the Commâ—ssioners â—cquâ—inting them how that he had perused the Oath with as good deliberation as he could but as they had framed it he could not with any safety to his owne conscience subscribe thereto except they would give him leave to alter it in some particulars whereby his owne conscience might be the better satisfied The King pleased and his actions rather justified and Warranted by Law To this they all made answer that the King would not in any wise permit that the Oath should admit any exceptions or alterations whatsoever and sâ—â—d the Bishop of Canterbury you must answer directly whether you will or you will not subscribe then said the Bishop of Rochester if you will needs have me answer directly my answer is that foasmuch as my own conscience cannot be satisfied I absolutely refuse the Oath Whereupon he was immediately sent to the Tower of London which was upon Tuesday the 26. of April in the year of our Lord God 1534. and upon the 25. year of the Kings reign being the last of his reign for that year Thus the Remora to the Kings proceedings in this kind being removed the Ship went merrily along for all things being fitted for a Parliament there was a Parliament which was â—itted for all things immediately called upon the 26. year of the Kings reign and upon the 23. day of Novemb. which wrought above nine wonders lasting but fifteen daies wherein the Bishop of Rochester's imprisonment was voted lawfull and all other men their imprisonments good and lawfull that should refuse to take the foresaid Oath which authority before was wanting also another Statute was â—nacted whereby the Supremacy of the Church of England was given unto the King his Heires and Successors to have and enjoy the same as a title and stile to his imperiall Crown with all Honours Jurisdictions Authorities and Priviledges thereunto belonging with full power and authority as himselfe listeth to visit represse redresse reforme order correct restraine and amend all Heresies Abuses Errors and Offences whatsoever they were as fully and as amply as the same might or ought to be done or corrected by any spirituall authority or jurisdiction whatsoever and that without the clause or condition of quantum per legem Dei lieet which was as contrary to the Kings promise to the Convocation-house as it was answerable to what the good Bishop forewarned the Clâ—rgie of whiles he 〈◊〉 amongst them And thus whiles the Kâ—ng acted the Pope the Bishop became a Prophet This Act being once passed the King required them to passe another Act viz. That if any manner of Person whatsoever should by word or deed presume to deny the title of Supremacy that then every such person so offending should be reputed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer and abide such losses and paines as in â—ases of high Treason is provided CHAP. XX. 1. The King sends divers learned Bishops to perswade with the Bishop of Rochester to take the Oath 2. The Bishop of Rochester answers unto the Bishops 3. Sir Thomas Moore committed to the same prison 4. The comfort which they received in each other 5. Their lettters intercepted and the Bishops man committed to close prison therefore 6. The simple yet mâ—rry question which he â—ade thereupon 7. The Lord Chancelour with divers other great Lords sent by the King to perswade the Bishop BUt when that businesse came to be discussed in the Parliament-house the Commons themselves began to think it a very hard Law anâ— full of rigour for said they a man may chance to say such a thing by way of discourse or such a word may fall from a man negligently or unawares all of them as yet not otherwise able but to think it a strange thing that a man should die for saying the King was not the head of the Church which debate held them many daies at last the King sent them word that except it could be proved that the party spake it malitiously the Statute should not be of any force to condemn So the word MALICIOVSLY was put in and it passed currently which afterwards served to as much purpose as the words Quantum per legem Dei licet And During the Bishops hard and close imprisonment the King as he had at several other times so done sent divers of the Priviâ—-councel as well Bishops as others to perswade the Bâ—shop of Rochester to take the oath of Succâ—ssion after that the Bâ—shop had suffered a great deale of Rhetorique to come from them he thus spake unto them My very good friends and
as Callis 6. The King sends to stop it from coming any further THe Lords were by this time put to their trumpâ— and to use their wits how they might bring this thing to passe wherefore the next morning they sent for Sir Thomas Moore to come to Court and after they had kept them there three houreâ— waiting upon them they admitted him into their presence and causing the Doore to be close shut they discoursed with him about half an houre the main subject of the discourse being to perswade him to conformity and compliance with the King in these demands and to assure him how gracioâ—sly thereupon he should be received into the Kings favour and accustomed good opinion of him but all being in vain he was deâ—ained in sâ—fe custody within the Court and a strict chargâ— was given that he should not speak with any man and that none should be permitted to speak to him This being done it was given out that Sir Thomas Moor had taken the Oâ—th so that all men believed it This done they sent for the Bâ—shop of Rochester the same day and urged him very sorâ—ly to take the Oath of Supremacy saying that he resting himself wholly upon Sir Thomas Moore by whose perswasion he stood out so stâ—fly against the King had now no reason but to do as he had done who shewing him now the way they all expâ—cted him to doe no otherwâ—se than to foâ—low the good example which he had given him and be received unto the like grace and favour with the King as his fellow-prisoner was at that time received the good Bâ—shop hearing as much beforâ— and now those Lords justifying as much as he had heard believed no less anâ— seemed to be much troubled thereat and sorrowfull for his sake â—ut in the end he thus spake unto the Lords My Lords I confesse I am a little perplexed at that which you now tell me which is no more than what I have heard already am exceeding sorrowfull that that courage should row be wanting to him which I once thought never would have failed him and thâ—t constancy had not been an addition to all his other great and singular vertues But I am not a fit man to blame him in regard I was never assaulâ—â—d with those strong temptations 〈◊〉 of and childrâ—â—n the which it 〈…〉 lodgings and it was likewise given out that the Bishop had subscribed to and taken the oath of Supremacy and that he was then conducted to the King to kisse his hand In this interim it hapned that Mrs. Margaret Roper the darling daughter to Sir Thomas Moore one that had much accesse unto the Lords by reason of her great friends and manifold perfections was at the same time at the Councel doore with a Petition in her hand thinking to deliver it unto the Lords in the behalf of her Father to procure him more enlargement within the Tower than what he formerly had enjoyed and hearing of her Fathers being there was resolved to inform her self of the event of that daies Conference which the Lord Chancellour Audely perceiving and knowing her businesse went out unto her and thus thought to perswade how the daughters thimble might prick a needle into the fathers conscience viz. Mrs. Roper I am sorry I can doe you no more service in that which you so earnestly solicite in your fathers behalfe truly Mrs. Roper your father is to blame to be so obstinate and self-will'd in a businesse wherein no man in the whole Realm stands out but onely he and a blinde Bishop and yet that bishop was not so blinde but at the laâ—â— with much adoe we have brought him to see his own error with that Mrs. Margaret gave a spring for joy and asked him Are you sure that my Lord of Rochester hath taken the Oath Yes said the Lord Chancellour and more than that he is now with the King and you will see him at liberty and in great favour with the King then I will warrant you said the poore Gentlewoman that my Father will not hold out Go said the Lord Chancelour and perswade your Father that he doe not before he be brought before us for I wish him well and it is a great pity that such a man as he should be cast away Away goes Mrs. Margaret to her father but could not be admitted to speak with him back she comes to the L. Chan. and procures his warrant of admittance in she comes unto her father tells him all that she heard with a great deal of confidence when her father had heard all that she would say he onely answered her with a soft voice peace daughter my L. of Rochester hath not taken the Oath yes indeed father it is so said his daughtter for my L. Chancelor told me as much with his own mouth who wisheth you well and my L. of Rochest is at liberty and is now with the K. and in great favour Away away you foole said Sir Tho Moore thou are not used to these sâ—â—ights I know the tricks of them all they think to take me in a Poppet snatch but they are deceived and I tell thee more if the Bishop had taken the Oath yet it should never be taken by me A Bishop is a correcter of Vice but no president for Sin After they had had much talk to this and no purpose Sir Thomas Moore was sent for to appeare before the Lords where he was no sooner entred the Room but they all called upon him to do as my Lord of Rochester had done before him all of them using no other arguments but my Lord of Rochester my Lord of Rochester as my Lord of Rochester had shewed him a good example Sir Thomas Moor asked them where my Lord of Rochester was saying that if he could but speak with my Lord of Rochester it may be his motives might induce him to take the Oath they told him that my L. of Roch. was where he might also be viz. with the King if that he would do but as he hath done May I not speak with him said Sir Thomas Moor before I take this Oath They answered that he should speak with him as soon as ever he had taken it but to speak with him before was not so proper because then it would be said he pinn'd his judgement upon anothers sleeve neither would they wish him to desire it in regard that the King would then have cause to thank the Bishop and not him for such his condescention and besides that would be too great a slâ—ghting of us that are here in that you will not take our words for such a businesse I pray you then said Sir Thomas Moore let me see his hand if he have subscrâ—bed That said the Chancelour is carried also with him to the King Then let me tell you said Sir Thomas Moore that I do not believe that my Lord of Rochester hath either subscribed his hand or taken the Oath and if he had done both
it was his secret place of Prayer This Coffer thus fenced about and in so private a place and close unto him every man beleived verily that some great Treasure had been stored up in that same Coffer wherefore because no indirect dealing might be used in defrauding the King in a matter of so great consâ—quence aâ— this was thought to be wherefore witnesses were solemnly called to be present so the Coffer was broken up before them and much paines was taken in â—breaking up thâ— Coffer but when it was open they found within it instead of gold and silver which they looked for a shirt of haire and two or three whips wherwith he used full often to punish himself as some of his Chaplaineâ— and Servants have often reported that were neere about him and curiously marked his doings and other treasure than that found they none at all But when report was made to him in his prison of the opening of that coffâ—r he was very sorry for it and said that if hast had not made him forget that and many things else â—â—ose things had not been to be found there at that time After this good Bâ—shop was recovered to some better strength by the help of his Physitians and that he was more able to be carried abroad he was on Thursday the 17. of Iune brought to the Kings Bench at Westminster from the Tower with a huge number of Holberts Bills and other weapons about him and the Ax of the Tower born before him with the edge from him as the manner is and because he was not yet so well recovered that he was able to walk by land all the way on foot he rode part of the way on horseback in a black cloth gown the rest he was carried by water for that he was not well able to ride thorough for weaknesse As soon as he was come to Westminster he was there presâ—nted at the Barre before the said Commissioners being all set ready in their places against his coming whose names were these Sir Thomas Audely Knight Lord Chancellor of England Charles Duke of Suffolk Hâ—nry Earle of Comberland Thomas Earle of Wiltshire Thomas Cromwell Secretary Sir Iohn Fitz. Iames Chief Iustice of England Sir Iohn Baldwin Chief Justice of the Common-pleas Sir William Pawlet Sir Richard Lyster Chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Iohn Port Sir Iohn Spilman and Sir Walter late Justices of the Kings Bench and Sir Anthony Fitzherbert one of the Justices of the Common-pleas Being thus presented before these Commissiâ—ners he was commanded by the name of Iohn Fisher late of Rochester Clerk otherwise called Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester to hold up his hand which he did with a most cheerfull countenance and rare constancy then was his Indictment read which was very long and full of words but the effect of it was thus that he maliciously treacherously falsâ—ly had said these words The King our soveraigne Lord is not Supreme head in the earth of the Church of England and bâ—ing read to the end it was asked him whether he was guilty of this Treason or no whereunto he pleaded Not guilty Then was a Jury of twelve men being Free-holders of Middlesex called to try this Issue whose names were these Sir Hugh Vaughan Knight Sir Walter Langford Knight Thomas Burbage Iohn Nudygate William Browne Iohn Hewes Iasper Leak Iohn Palmer Richard Henry Young Henry Lodisman Iohn Elrington and George Heveningham Esquires These twelve men being sworne to trie whether the prisoner were guilty of this Treason or no at last came forth to gâ—ve evidence against him Mr Rich the secret and close Messenger that passed between the King and him as ye have read before who openly in the presence of the Judges and all the people there assembled deposed and swore that he heard the Prisoner say in plaine words within the Tower of London that he believed in his conscience and by his learning he assuredly knew that the King neither was nor by right could be Supreme head in earth of the Church of Engl. When this blessed Father heard the accusations of this most wretched false person contrary to his former oath promise he was not a little astonied thereat wherefore he said to him in this menner Mr. Râ—ch I cannot but mervaile to hear you come in and beare witnesse against me of these words knowing in what secret manner you came to me but suppose I so said unto you yet in that saying I commited no Treason for upon what occasion and for what cause it might be said your self doth know right well and therefore being now urged said he by this occasion to open somewhat of this matter I shall desire my Lords and others here to take a little patience in hearing what I shall say for my self This man meaning Mr. Rich came to me from the King as he said on a secret message with commendations from his Grace declaring at large what a good opinion his Majesty had of me and how sorry he was of my trouble with many more words than are here needfull to be recited because they tended so much to my praise as I was not onely ashamed to hear them but also knew right well that I could no way deserve them at last he broke with me of the matter of the Kings Supremacy lately granted unto him by Act of Parliament to the which he said although all the Bishops in the Realme have consented except your selfe alone and also the whole Court of Parliament both spirituall and temporall except a very few yet he told me that the King for better satisfaction of his owne conscience had sent him unto me in this sâ—cret manner to know my full opinion in the matter for the great affâ—â—nce he had in me more than any other he adâ—ed further that if I would herein frankly and freely advertise his Maj. my knowledge that upon certificate of my misliking he was very like to retract much of his former doings and make satisfaction for the same in case I should so advertise him when I had heard all his message and considered a little upon his words I put him in minde of the new Act of Parliament which standing in force as it doth against all them that shall diâ—â—ctly say or do any thing that is against it might thereby â—ndanger me very much in case I should utter unto him any thing that were offensive against the Law to that he told me that the King willed him to assure me on his honour and in the word of a King that whatever I should say unto him by this his secret messenger I should abide no danger no perill for it neither that any advntage should be taken against me for the same no although my words were never so directly against the Statutes seeing it was but a declaration of my minde secretly to him as to his owne person and for the messenger himselfe he gave me his faithfull promise that he would never utter
began to tell him in plain termes that the Marriage between him and his wife in regard she had been his Brothers was not lawfull and that it was a thing which was much spoken of as well in forraign Nations as in his own Realm and that therefore he was bound in conscience to tell him of it to the intent he might consider of it and inquire further The King looking a long time very earnestly upon the Cardinall as if he had been greatly dismayed at last answered him in these mild termeâ— Why my Lord you know this Marriage was sufficiently discussed at the beginning by sundry grave and learned men and was at last by them concluded to be good lawfull which was afterwards confirmed and dispensed with by the Pope himself and therefore good Father take hâ—ed what you say in this great and weighty matter whereupon they thus parted for that time from one another Having once broke the Ice he thus intends to passe thorough the Ford he sends for one Dr. Iohn Longland Bishop of Lincoln Confessor to the King a very timerous man and one that was afraid to say or doe any thing that might displease the Cardinall and therefore was there placed as a man wholy for his purpose him the Cardinall conjures that when the King should deal with him concerning a Scruple of conscience about the marriage of his wife Queen Katharine that by any means he should further the same as much as in him lay and make it a great matter of Conscience to co-habit with her being not his lawfull wife Longland as he supposed having given him his lesson within two or three daies the Cardinall addresseth himselfe to the King and after that he had discussed a while with him concerning the invalidity of the Marriage he adviseth him by all means to resolve on nothing rashly but to advise with his ghostly Father which when he had done his ghostly Father was not altogether the man which the Card took him to be for when the King advised with him concerning the businesse he put it off from himself and advised his Majesty to consult with some other that were the most learned Bishops whereupon the Cardinall had a gâ—me to play for that which he thought to have got by slight of hand for now the King was pleased to send for the most able Bishops and Divines that he could think upon amongst all which there was not any one in all his kingdome of whom he had a more reverend estimation both for honestly and learning than he had of Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester wherefore he was one of the nominates within the list of summons to a meeting at the Cardinall's house in Westminster where after much debatement of the businesse and that the Bishop of Roshester had fully answered and refelled all the Arguments and Reasons which were there made and given concerning the validity of the Mâ—rriage to the satisfaction of most of the Bishops he concluded that there was no cause at all of any question to be made seeing the marriage between the King and the Queen was good and lawfull from the beginning and that therefore it was necessary to remove that scruple from the Kings breast as soone as possible and so the Conference was ended While the Clergy were all thus dancing about a scruple in a lofty room led by the Cardinall they were not aware of the loose fire which was brought into the powder room which was under them ready and at last blew them all up for just in this nick of time the King was deeply falne in love with a faire young Gentlewoman of the Court then waiting upon the Queen called Mrs. A. Bullein secretly a Lutheran and the first that ever opened her mouth to advise the K. to al eration in Religion Daughter to Sir Thomas Bullein Knight who afterward for his daughters sake was promoted to many high honours and dignities This Mrs. Anno had formerly been brought up in the Court of France under the Lady Mary the French Queen Sister to King Henry and sometimes wife of Lewis the 12. King of France wherd she had learnt much courtly fashion and behaviour then strange and dainty in the English Court whereby she farre surpassed all other Ladâ—es her companions which so inslamed the Kings minde having conceived within himself a possibility of riddance from his old wife and probability of having issue Male by this that inwardly he was resolved to have her nolens volens whereupon for the present he shewed her great favour and expressed unto her many signs of the love which she was yet ignorant of so that now he was resolved upon a hand gallop in this businesse Insomuch that when the Cardinall inscious of his design made his addresse uâ—to him to give him account of the Conference which was between the Bishops and had told the King how that all did and was likely to stick in the Lord of Rochesten as the onely Remora to that proceeding supposing that if the King could take him off all the rest would follow his judgement the King by this time desiring nothing more than that the Divorce should take effect speedily fell into consultaâ—ion with the Cardinall how the Bishop might be won to his now design the Cardinall advised his Majesty to send for the Biâ—â—shop and to work him to him by faire means and gentle usage whereupon the King did as he was advised for the Bishop being sent for and come into the Kings presence the King treated him with exceeding courtesie and liberality of good language and at last took him with him into the long gallery and there walking awhile with him after that he had bestowed many words of praise and commendation upon him for his great Learning and Vertue at length in the presence of the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and some Bishops that were there he unâ—olded his minde unto him concerning the businesse that was in hand telling him how sore his Conscience was tormented and how for that cause he had secretly consulted with his ghostly Father and divers other men by whom he was not yet satisfied therefore he said upon special confidence which he had in his great learning he had now made choicâ— of him to use his advise above all others requiring him to declare his opinion therein freely whereby he might be sufficiently instructed in his conscience and remaine no longer in suspence The Bishop hearing all this â—ell suddenlâ— upon his knees and in that posture would have delivered his minde unto him but the King immediately lifted him up with his own â—ands and blamed him for so doing where upon he spake as followeth I beseech your Grace to be of good cheer not to disquiet your self one whit concerning this matter nor to be dismayed or troubled at this businesse for there is no heed to be taken of these men who account themselves so wife and do arrogate to themselves more knowledge and learning in
subscribe your name and put your seale thereto and you would allow the same as if it had been your act and deed then my Lord of Rochester seeing himself so unjustly charged said unto the Archbishop No no my Lord by your â—avour and licence that had been all one and that which you charge me with is not true And as he was proceeding in his speech the King interrupted him saying Well well my Lord of Rochester it makes no great matter we will not stand with you in argument you are but one man amongst the rest if the worst fall out but the rest of the Bishops that had bin dealt with in like manner said not a word so that the fiâ—st encounter on the Queenâ— side was not so well performed through want of seconds And this was all that was done for that day CHAP. XI 1. The pleadings of the Counsell on both sides 2. The dâ—position of the severall Witnesse 3. The honest Plea of Bishop Fisher. 4. The stout Plea of Doctor Ridley 5. Cardinall Wolâ—ey takes him up 6. The Doctors Reply thereto UPon the second meeting there was much matter propounded by the Counsell of the Kings part concerning the invalidity of the foresaid marriage from the beginning by reason of the carnall copulation there vehemently uâ—ged to have bin committed between Prince Arthur the Kings brother and the present Queene but being again as vehemently denied by the Queenes Counsell the whole matter rested onely upon proof to this purpose divers witnesses were produced As 1. Agnes the old Datchesse of Norfolk 〈◊〉 dâ—posed that she was present at the marriage of Pâ—ince Arthur at Sâ— Paul's in London and that shâ— saw them both in bed together the next night after they were married the Prince being of the age of fifteen yeares and the Princesse elder 2. George Earle of Shrewsbury who deposed as to the celebration of the Marriage Decimo septimo Henrici 7. 1501. that he was born at Winchester secundo Hen. 7. that he believed Prince Arthur knew the Queen carnally and was able so to doe because he knew his wife before she was sixteen 3. William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury that never liked the marriage and that he told Hen. 7. as much 4. Sir William Thomas Knight who deposed as to the age of the parties and their cohabitation as man and wife five moneths together both at London and in Lâ—dlow 5. Sir Anthony Poynes as to the age onely 6. Thomas Marquesse of Dorset as to age and that he wasâ—of a good sanguine complexion and able as he supposed for the businâ—sse 7. Robert Viscount Firâ—water as to the age and that the next day after they had been â— bed together he waited on Prince Arthur whiles he was at breakfast where Maurice St. Iohn carved and the Lord Firzwater was Cupbearer where he heard Prince Arthur upon the said Maurice hiâ— asking the Prince how he had done the last night Answer I have been in Spain the last night 8. Thomas Lord Darcy William Lord Montjoy and Henry Guildford Knights of the Garter little to any purpose but what they had heard by publique fame 9. Charles Duke of Suffolk deposed to the â—ame effect with Mauâ—iâ—e S. Iohn and that the Prince soon after begâ—n to decay in bodily health which said he as the said S. Iohn related grew by the Prince his lying with the Lady Katharine 10. David Owen as to the age onely 11. Thomas Duke of Norfolk Lord Treasurer of England to the same effect with Maurice S. Iohn by which words he believed that the Prince carnally knew the Lady and because he was of a good complexion and age as he supposed sufficient having performed the like himselfe at the same age 12. Anth Willoughby Kt. that the morrow after the Marriagâ— in the presence of divers witnesses being in the Privy chamber the Prince called to the sâ—id Willougby saying Willoughby give me a cup of Ale for I have been in the midst of Spain the last night 13. Nicholas Bâ—shop of Ely that he could say nothing concerning the carnalis copula but that he very much doubted it in regard the Queen often sub testimonio conscientiae suae said to this Dâ—ponent that she was never carnally kâ—own by Prince 〈◊〉 These things being 〈◊〉 the Bishop of Rochester stood up and spoke in this manner And all this is no more than what hath formerly been deposed examined throughly debated and scanned by the best and lâ—arnedst Divines and Lawyers that could possibly be got which time I do very well remember and am not ignoranc of the manner of their proceedings when and where all the allegations in respect of what was then produced to the contrary was a juâ—lged vain and frivolous whereupon the Marriage was concluded which Marriage was afterwards approved and ratified by the See Apostoa bque and that in such large an lample maâ—ner as that I think it a very hard matter now againe to call the same in question before another Iudge Then stood up another of the Qâ—â—enes Counsell Doctor 〈…〉 we have heard how the Queene her selfe here in the face of the whole Court 〈…〉 presence and hearing of the King himself called the great God of heaven and earth to witness that she was a pure Virgin when she first came into the Kings bed and how she put it to his conscience speaking unto him face to face and if it were otherwise we cannot imagine that either the Queen durst so appeale â—â—to him or the King so spoke unto if unworthily would not have contradicted her besides we have here the testimony of a most reverend Father who hath deposed upon his oath how the Queen had often 〈◊〉 testimonio 〈…〉 said unto him â—ow that she never had any carnall knowledge of Prince Arâ—hur Now my Lords that such a â—rolick or a jâ—st as that about a cup of Ale or the midst oâ— Spaine which together with all the rest that hath beene said are but meere conjectures and presumptions should stand in competition with so great a testimony as a soveraigne 〈…〉 attestation of her cause upon the 〈◊〉 conscience and that conscience 〈…〉 such presumption by its own silence 〈…〉 to lay aside all reverence which 〈…〉 power and authority as that all the 〈◊〉 consultations 〈…〉 of all former powers even of the See Apostolique it selfe should become 〈◊〉 by your calling this matter againe into 〈◊〉 is a thing in my conceit â—ost detestable to be rehearsed and a great shaâ—e to this honourable Court to heare â—uch stuffe ripped up to no other purpose but in contempt of former Power and câ—lling the wisdome of our Ancestors and 〈◊〉 together with our owne into question and derision Whereat Cardinall Wolâ—ey that he might not seeme to say nothing by saying something said unto him 〈…〉 Dâ—mine Doctor magis reverenter No no my Lord said the Doctor there belongeth no reverence to be given at all for an 〈◊〉 matter would be unreverently answer'd Whereupon
rising though as different as the two Poles between themselves both against him the one discovering the other aggravating his offences yet though sometime he had a better friend for he proved such a constant enemy to the last that he became a Martyr for the former and such a bâ—tter adversary sometimes to the first as he became afterwards the second 's footstoole to her Throne yet neither of them gave him thanks which rendred his venome guilty of the nature of the Spiders thus to be intangled within his own web Cardinall Campeâ—â—â—s perceiving the King disposed to discontentment takes his leave of his Majeâ—â—y and suddenly departs the Realme after that he had made his abode here in this kingdome neere upon the space of one yeare who was no sooner gone but a sodaine rumour 〈◊〉 how that he had carried with him vast â—ummes of money of the other Cardinalls â—ut of the Realme for at that time Cardinall Wolsey waâ— suspected to 〈◊〉 the Land by â—eason of the Kings displeasure insomuch that 〈…〉 after and overtaken at Callis where when they had searched 〈…〉 they scarce found so much money about him as would serve to defray his ordinary charges to Rome This the Cardinall Campeius took heavily and thereat was mâ—rvailously discontented which search for treasâ—â—e was but a colour for the thing which the King aimed at was the instrument which contained the sentence of Divorce which Campeius had shewed unto the King in case he had seen cause to put the same in exâ—cution which if the King had sound out it is supposed he would have made good play therewith but he was deceiveâ— of his purpose Howsoever in the 22. yeare of the Kings reigne a Parliament was summoned to begin at London the 3. day of November and in the year of our Lord 1529. and accordingly Writs were directed to all the Counties c. but withall private Letters were sent to the most potent men directing them whom they should choose which Letters there were few or none durst disobey so that there was a Parliament filled to the Kings hearts desire And The regulations of all abuses of the Clergy were referred to the house of Commons where sâ—vere complaints against the whole Clergy as well as against particular Clergie-men were daily presented whereof some the house of Lord◠〈◊〉 into consideration and some they 〈◊〉 whâ—ch when the Bishop of Rochester perceived he spake as followeth My Lords here are certaine Bills exhibited against the Clâ—â—gy wherein there are complaints made against the 〈◊〉 idâ—â—nesse rapâ—ciry and cruelty of Bishops Abbots Priests and their Officialls But my Lords Are all vitious all idle all ravenous and â—ruell Priests or Bishops And for such as are such are there not laws provided alreaâ—y against such Is there any abuse that we doâ— not seek to rectifiâ— or can there be such a 〈◊〉 as that there shall be no 〈…〉 their owne and 〈◊〉 where they have no aâ—â—hority to correcâ— If wâ— be not 〈◊〉 in our Lawes let each man suffer for his dâ—linquency or if we have not power did 〈◊〉 with your assistance and we shall 〈…〉 much the Good as the Goods of the Church that is lookâ—d after Truly my Lords how this may sound in your 〈◊〉 I cannot tell but to me it appeares no otherwise than as if our holy Mother the Church were to become a bondmaid and new brought into servility and 〈◊〉 and by little little to be quite banished out of those dwelling places which the piety and liberality oâ— our forefathers as most 〈◊〉 Benefactoâ—s have conferred upon â—er otherwise to what tendeth these 〈◊〉 and curious Petitions of the Commons To no other intent or purpose but to bring the Clergie into contempt with the Laity that they may sâ—ize their Patrimony But my Lords beware of your selves and your 〈…〉 now on fire teach us to beware our own disasters whereâ—ore my Lords I will tell you plainly what I think that except ye resist manfully by your authoritâ—â—â— this violent heap of mischiefs offered by the Commons you shall see all obedience first drawn fâ—om the Cleâ—gie and secondly from your selves 〈◊〉 if you 〈◊〉 into the true causes of all these mischiefs which reign among them you shall finde that they all arise through want of Faith This Speech pâ—eased and displeased divers of the house of Peeres 〈…〉 were severally inclined or adicted to â—orward or 〈◊〉 the Kâ—ngs designâ—s among the which none 〈…〉 thereto but onely the 〈…〉 Bâ—t when the Commons heard of this Speech they conceived so great displeasure against the Bishop that they forthwith sent their Speaker Mr. Audeley to complaine on him to the King and to let his Highnesse understand how grievously they thou â—hâ— themselves injured therâ—by so as to be so highly charged for lack of Faith as if they had been Infidells or Hereticks c. The King therefore to satisfie the Commons sent for my Lord of Rochester to come before him being come the King demanded of him why he spake in such sort the Bishop answered that being in counsel he spake his minde in defence of the Church whom he saw daily injured and oppressed by the common people whose office it was not to judge of her manners much lesse to reform them and therefore he said he thought himself in conscience bound to defend her in all that lay within his power neverthelesse the King wished him to use his words more temperately and that was all which gave the Commons littlâ— satisfaction CHAP. XIV 1. The demand of all the small Abbies within the Land for the Kings use 2. The Bishop of Rochester opposeth the demand in the Convocation house 3. The mindes of the Clergie before ready to condescend to the propositionâ— altered thereupon 4. The Bishop of 〈◊〉 escaped very narrowly from being poysoned at his dinner 5. How he escaped another danger from the shot of a cannon 6. His departure from the place to Rochester IMmediately hereupon the foresaid demand for all the small Abbeys and Monasteries within the Land of the value of two hundred pound land and under to be given to the King was revived and the pretence for such demands of the Clergie was in recompence of the great charges and expences which the King was 〈◊〉 concerning the Divorce which he was put upon by the false and double dealing of the Cardinall and his Clergie and therefore it was said to be all the reason in the world that the Clergie should satisfie the King againe for the great expences he had been at and this was urged with such â—imporâ—unity as if the businesse had been called upon by sound of Drummes and Tâ—umpets In conclusion they all agreed that certâ—ine of the Kings Counsell should make demands hereof to the Coâ—vocation of the Clâ—rgy which was performed with such a terrible shew of the Kings displeasure 〈◊〉 them if they yâ—ilded not to his 〈◊〉 that divers of the Convocation seaâ—â—ing the Kiâ—gs indignâ—tion and
hoping by a voluntary condescention in these particulars to save the râ—st were of a minde to satisfie the Kiâ—g therâ—in which the Bishop of Rochester perceiviâ—g spake as followeth My Lords and the rest of our Brethren here assembled I pray you to take good heed to what you doe lâ—st you do you know not what and what you cannot do for indeed the things that are demanded at our hands are none of ours to grant nor theirs to whom we should bestow them if we should grant them their desires but they are the Legacies of those testators who have given them unto the Church for ever under the penalty of a heavy â—urse imposed on all those who shall any way go abouâ— to alienaâ— their property from the Church and besides if we should grant these smaller Abbeys c. to the King what should we do otherwise than shew him the way how in time it may be lawfull for him to demand the greater wherefore the manner of these proceedings puts me in minde of a â—able how the Ax which wanted a handle came upon a time unto the Wood making his mâ—an to the great Trees how he wanted a handle to work withall and â—or that cause he was constrained to sit idle wherefore he made it his request unto them that they would be pleased to grant him one of their small saplings within the Wood to make him a Handle who mistrusting no guile granted him one of the smaller trees wherewith he madâ— himself a handle so becoming a compleat Ax â—e so fell to work within the same wood that in processe of time there was neither great nor small tree to be found in the place where the wood stood And so my Lord if you grant the King these smaller Monasteries you do but make him a handle whereby at his owne pleasure he may â—ut downe all the Cedars within your 〈◊〉 and then you may thank your selves after ye have incurred the heavy displeasure of Almighty God This Spâ—â—ch quâ—te changed the mindes of all those which were formerly bent to gratifie the Kâ—ngs dâ—mands herein so that all was rejected for that time After this the Bishop escaped a very great danger for one R. Rose came into the Bâ—shops kitchin being acquainted with the Cook at his house in Lamb. Mâ—rsh having proviâ—ed a quantity of deâ—dly poyson whiles the Câ—ok went into the buterie to fetch him some drink he took his opportunity to throw that poyson into a mâ—ss of Grueâ—â— which was prepared for the Bâ—shops dinner and after he had stayed there awhile went his way but so it happened that when the Bishop was called unto his dinner he had no appâ—tite to any meat but wished his servants to fall to and be of good chear and that he would not eat till towards nâ—ght the Servants being set to dinner they that did eat of that poysoned dish were miserably infected whereof one Gentleman namâ—d Mr. Bennet Carwin and an old Widow died sodainly and the rest never recovered their healths till their dying day The person that did this wicked deed was afterwards for the same offence boyled alive in Smithfield in the 22. yeare of K. Henry's reign Shortly after this there happened another great danger to him in this same house by reason of a Cannon bullet that was shâ—t thorough his house close by his study window where he was used to spend much time in Prâ—yâ—r and holy Meditations which made such a horrible noyse and clutter as it went thorough that all the house were suddenly amazed upon enquâ—ry made from whence this mischief shouâ—d proceed it was fâ—und out how that it came from the other siâ—e of the River â—nd out of the Eâ—â—le of 〈◊〉 house Father to the Laâ—dy Anne Bullein which being told unto the Bâ—shop he calâ—ed all his Seâ—vants before him and said uâ—to thâ—m Let a trusse up ouâ— baggage and be gone this is no place for us to abide in any longer so he set forwards in his jâ—urnâ—y towards 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Coâ—spiracies wâ—re contrived by the Kâ—ngâ— consent or pâ—ivity it is not handsome to determine being 〈…〉 words against him at his table elsâ—where which words â—xperience telâ— us how too great 〈◊〉 may often take so large commission from them as to attempâ— such things as are beyond the nature of their warrant The Bishop now come to Rochester fâ—ll to his old accustomed manner of frequent preaching visiting the Sick converting the Seduced and for his recreation he would sometimes go and see his workmen whiles they wâ—re employed in the reparation of Rochester 〈◊〉 upon which he had bestowed great cost â—ut 〈◊〉 had not long remained in those paâ—ts but he was robbed almost of all his Plate by Thieves in the night-time who brake into his Manour house of Halling nâ—are Rochester which being perceived in the morning by his Servants they were all in great perplexity and pursued the thieves as well as they could and following them thorough the wood the thieves leâ— fall severall pieces of Plate through the great hast which they had made in flying so that they brought some of the Plate back â—gain before the Bishop had heard of the losse of any but the Bp. coming downe to his dinner perceived an unwonted kinde of heavinesse and sadnesse in their countenances insomuch that he asked them what was the matter they seeming unwilling to relate the story and looking upon one another who should begin he commanded them to inform him of the cause of such dâ—straction assuring them that he was armd for all adventures deeming it to be some great matter but when they had given a full relation of the whole businesse and how they had recovered some of the Plate back again the Bish. replyed if this be all we have more cause to rejoice that God hath restored to us some than to be discontented that wicked men have taken away any for the least favour of God Almighty is more to be esteemed than all the evill which the Devil and all his wicked instruments can doe unto us is to be valued wherefore let us sit down and be merry thank God it is no worse and look ye better to the rest CHAP. XV. 1. The Kings Agents are returned from Rome with sufficient matter of vexation to the Clergie 2. The King calls another Parliament 3. The whole Clergie are condemned in a praemunire 4. The King laies hold on that advantage to make himself head of the Church 5. The Bishop of Rochester his most admirable Speech upon that occasion whereupon the Proposition was rejected 6. The King persists in his demand BY this time the Kings Agents which were sent to Rome were returned with sufficient matter wherewith to veâ— the whole Clergie for they had learned our how that there had been a priviledge formerly granted from the See of Rome no Legate de latere should enter the Realme of England except he were first sent for by the King now it happened that
I could do neither Whereupon they were both sent back to the Tower The King seeing these engines would not hold betook himself to the advice which the Lords had formerly given him and he reâ—used to take viz. of sending unto him men of his owne Coat to perswade with him in this businesse wherefore he sent for Dr. Stokesly Bishop of London Stâ—phen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester Dr. Tunstall Bâ—shop of Durham and commanded them to repaire immediately unto their Brother of Rochester and see what they could do and see they did it for he would have it done These men knowing there was no mercy to be had if they did not do their uttermost endeavour at the least to give the King all manner of satisfaction herein went to the Tower and dealt heartily with the Bishop in that businesse But before I will tell you what answer the Bishop made unto their importunities therein that you may the better know the miseries of those times you shall first understand that these very men after that this good man was dead and rotten perceiving this Supremacy to exercise its authority more and more untill at last it came to alteration of their Religion in point of Doctrine would often weep most bitterly and carelesse of themselves wâ—sh â—hat they had stuck to their Brother Fisher and not to have left him wholly to â—â—mself as wickedly they did and not onely so buâ— they would preach the same openly in their Pulpits and upon all other occasions and times of meeting and that bâ—fore the Lords of the 〈◊〉 and sometimes in the Kings hearing which dâ—â—w great commiseration from their hearers and at last the Kâ—ng himsâ—lfe to serious animadversions of what he had 〈◊〉 and at last to a rectification of what he 〈◊〉 he had done amisse by his 〈◊〉 enjoyâ—â—g of the six maine Articlâ—s of 〈◊〉 Râ—ligâ—on which these Bishops 〈…〉 to be propounded unto alâ— his Subjâ—cts to be subscribed unto in which Religion the K. died and in the reign of K. Eâ—w 6. when 〈◊〉 Supremacy was held in a 〈…〉 over a childs head being then 〈◊〉 before the Kings Commissioners and 〈◊〉 urged to proceed according to the fruits of those times they did not onely recant their former doings but suffered themsâ—lves to be dâ—prived of so great dignities and to endure the same prison where for the space of five years they had no other comfort but the expectation of that Martyrdome which might be an expiation to them of those errors which fear and worldly vanity had causâ—d them to run into which resignation of themselves so willingly into the hands of Almighty God was answered with a meâ—cy which restored thâ—m unto their former liberties dignities and honours in the beginning of the reign of Qu. Mary But to return to my former story When theâ—e men had perswaded the good Bâ—shop all they could to do what their owne conscience tolâ— thâ—m should not havâ— been done the good Bâ—shâ—p made them this reply My Lords 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 me so much to be urged so sorely â—n a 〈◊〉 of this nature as it doth wound me grievously that I should be urged by you whom it concerns as much as 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 but defend your cause whiles you so plead against your selves it would 〈◊〉 become us all to stick together in repressing the violences and injuries which daily are obtruded upon our holy mother the Catholique Church whom we have all in common than thus divided amongst our selves to help on the mischief but I see judgement is begun at the house of God and I see no hope if we fall that the rest will stand you see we are besieged on every side and the fort is betrayed by those who should defend it and since We have made no better resistance We are not the men that shall see an end of these calamities wherefore I pray leave me to Almighty god in whom onely there is comfort which no man can deprive me of and for that you have so often told me of the Kings heavy displeasure agasnst me I pray remember my duty to his Grace and tell him I had rather exercise the duty that I owe unto his Grace in praying for him than in pleasing him in this kinde So they departed from him with heavy hearts and fad countenances and never came unto him any more Within a while after that the Bishops were thus gone the poore fellow his man that waited upon him being somewhat simple and hearing all the discourse began to take his Master in hand thinking he had not got reason enough to speak thus unto his Lord and Master Alas my Lord why should you stick said he with the King more than the rest of the Bâ—shops which are learned and godly men Doubt ye not he requireth no more of you but onely that you would say he is Head of the Church and methinks that is no great matter for your Lordship may still think as you please whereat the Bishop fell into such a fit of laughter that he little thought he shâ—â—ld have laughed so much so long as he had a day to live but the man taking courage at this began to prosecute his begun discourse in a manner which he thought more serious which the Bishop cut short with this composure of jest and eâ—rnest Tush tush thou art but a foole and knows but little what belongs to this businesse but hereafter thou maist know more Alas poore fellow I know thou lovest me and speakest this out of simplicity and love together but I tell thee it is not onely for the Supremacy that I am thus tossed and tumbled but also for another Oath meaning the Oath of Succession which if I would have sworn unto I believe I should never have been much questioned for the Supremacy nor is it for these two that I stand out but for the ensuing evills that must necessarily follow hereupon And this thou maist say another day thou hast heard me speak when I am dead and gone Upon the 21. of May and in the yeare of our Lord 1535 Paul the third Pope of Rome hearing the fame of this good Bâ—shops constancy and sufferings in defence of the Catholique Church at the solemn creation of Cardinalls in Rome in the first yeare of his consecâ—ation among divers other worthy and famous men he nominated this good Bishop Fisher for one that should be made a Cardinall where upon the same day before specified he also was intituled Sanct. Ro. Ecclesiae tituli Sancti vit pretriter Cardinalis This the Pope did for his great worth and merits sake thinking that by reason of the dignity and advancement of so high a degree of eminence that either the King would use him with more clemency for his dignity sake or else that he might thereby heap further trouble and danger upon the King if notwithstanding that dignity he continued such his displeasure against him and this was it that clean threw him over the perch and brought
against all or any the least encroachment offered or attempted to be made even by the Bishop of Rome himself as you shall find in the Statute Lawes of King Richard the second where you shall finde in many businesses wherein the Pope of Rome himself was interessed the Roman Catholiques flatly denying the Crown of England which they averred stoutly immediately to be subject unto none but God and to other in all things touching the regality of the said Crowne to be subject to the Pope of Rome and yet the very same Parliament said the Bishop at the same time acknowledged the Bishop of Rome in respect of his spirituall jurisdiction to be their most holy Father And This the Author assures the Reader to be taken notice of by Bâ—shop Bilsoâ— where he brings in this Parliament consisting then altogether of Roman Catholicks thus expressing their loyaltiâ—â— to their Soveraigne Prince viz. We will be with our said Soveraigne Lord the King and his said Crown and his Râ—gality in cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crowne and Dignity in all points to live and diâ— Nor will I onely bring in your Protestant Bishops but also your Protestant Chronologies of latest Editions averring the same viz. Holinshead where you may finde how in the reign of King Edward the first all the Lords then Catholiques assembled aâ— Lincoln in Parliament in the name of all the Estates did answer the Pope's right to judge c. viz. that they would not consent that their King should do any thing that should tend to the disinhâ—riting of the right of the Crown of England and that it was never known wherefore never practised that the King of this Land had answered or ought to answer for their Rights in the same Realme before any Judge Ecclesiasticall or Secular And Yet notwithstanding all this in their speciall Letter writ to the same Pope Boniface at the same time they thus wrote unto him Boniface by Gods providence high Bishop of the holy Roman and universall Church styling themselves his devout Sons where notwithstanding all this it consisted with their Devotion further to affirme that the King of England ought not to answer for any of their Rights in the said Realme or for any of their Temporalties before any Judge Ecclesiastical by reason of the free preheminence of the Estate of the Royall Dignity and Custome kept without breach at all times and after full treaty and deliberation it was consistent likewise with their devotion to make it their common argument and unanimous consent which agreement they said should be without faile in time to come that their foresaid Lord the King ought not by any meanes to answer in judgement nor send any Proctors to the Popes presence especially seeing that the premises tended manifestly to the disinheriting of the Crown of England and also to the hurting of the Liberties and Lawes of their Fathers and the duties of their Oath made which said they we will maintaine with all our power and defend with all our strength and will not suffer our foresaid Lord the King to do or attempt the premises being so unaccustomed and before not heard of Nor will we onely bring you your owne Chronicles but our owne Annotations upon our own Testaments where you shall finde Catholiques acknowleging themselves bound in conscience to obey their Emperours and Governors though they were Heathens and Persecutors Our greatest Champions where you shall finde Bellarmine himself maintaining how that the Lawes of Magistrates do binde even the consciences of Christians Our strictâ—st Casuists where you shall finde them averring how that Faith is not necessary to Iurisdiction and that Authority cannot be lost by the losse of Faith Your own Protestant Apology for the Church of Rome though writ by us yet made by you where you shall finde the Roman Catholicks acknowledging themselves indissolubly bound by all Lawes Humane and Divine in the highest degree of all earthly Allegeance to the present temporall Government notwithstanding at the same time the Magistracy was adverse unto them in matters of Religion and heavy upon them by reason of the same Our owne submissions and protestations in the vindication of our Loyalty to the temporall Magistrate as the declared will of God in that behalf where you shall finde us quoting all these severall texts of Scripture out of the Word of God to the same purpose how that we ought not to speak evil of our Governours though they should perscecute us nor so much as to think amiss of them but to be subject to them and that not onely for necessity but for conscience sake lest otherwise we should be damned Where should a man finde better Subjects and yet these are the men who have been traduced all along as inconsistent with politique Government And why should the same Loyalty be suspected at any time still to remaine within the same breasts since that their Religion Lawes both Civil and Ecclesiasticall Custome Provision for the future present Practise Oathes and Protestations all along evermore obliging them to such Obedience especially whereas at this present all other sorts and sects of christian Religion excepting those who are for all sorts and sects appeare against the present Government like Aries Scorpio Leo Sagitarius c. as if they would all and every one of them wound each part and member of this body politique the Roman Catholiques like Pisces the Emblem of the Fisherman are contented to remaine quiet under foot And this digression from the Subject we have in hand I have presum'd to make whereby the courteous Reader may be more courâ—eous if he please to Roman Catholiques seeing they have no such ugly features in their faces as their adversaries would have them have when the vizards are taken off which they have clapt upon their faces and therefore let not hereafter a few discoloured powder-spiâ—ited and inconsiderate men among so many thousands of the same Religion and better quality that were then ignorant of and afterwards detesting the designe as diabolicall blow up a whole cause so universall or contract any tragicall or immoderate application for some few's sake against the whole any more than equity her selfe shall think it reason that one Devil shall be able to prejudice the dignity of the twelve Apostles since that there hath not been all along which way soever the Government was adicted to one or other Religion more faithfull peaceable and loyall Subjects than were the Roman Catholiques excepting an exception which makes but never marres a generall rule What if this good Bâ—shop had lived to see how in the daies of Queen Elizabeth when she first took â—upon her the government of this Land although that Catholiques were then the chiefest Ministers both in Church and State and had at that time the government of both setled in that course and therefore questionlesse were sufficient
to have used any indirect or sorcible meanes if such kinde of loyalty had been consistent with their Religion to have impugnâ—d that alteration in Religion then evidently foreseen to ensue how the Catholique Bâ—shops although she was a Princesse of a contrary Religion were so farre from holding their crosirers over that they set the Crown upon her head insomuch that they are commended by Holinsheaa for peaceable and quiet Bâ—shops and the Catholique and temporall Lord there by him recorded to be so farre from opposing themselves against her interest as that they are there said to offer her Majestie in her defence to impugne and resist any forraigne force though it should come from the Pope himself insomuch that they also are there commended by Holinshead himself for Loyalty and Obedience and had seen how the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury himselfe and Chancellour of England a Catholique Bâ—shop how instead of inveighing against her or casting forth Libells against her Authority as Archbishop Cranmer did against Queen Mary her entrance into the Government he made a publique oration in her behalfe to perswade the people to Obedience and acknowledge of her Highnesse just Power and Authority insomuch that the said Archbishops faithfulness was left to the commendation of a Protestant Bishop adverse to him in his Religion how all the Catholique Lords and Catholique Bishops repaired with all speed to London to proclaime her Queene who not long after turned them all out of their severall Offices and Bishopricks And On the contrary how when Qu. Mary was to be invested in her right Protestants would not receive her as their Queen but upon Conditions nor assist her without Indentures nor acknowledge her but upon such and such termes how Warre was waged against her by the Duke of Northumberland a Protestant Duke bills spread abroad and severall treacherous practises contrived against her her Right and Dignity by Archbishop Cranmer a Protestant Archbishop for which he was afterwards arraigned and condemned of high Treason what great commotions and insurrections were made against her by Wiat upon the score of Religion how Townes and Castles were taken and held out against her by Stafford how daggers were thrown at and gunnes shot off at the Priests of her Religion whiles they were preaching at Paul's Cross insomuch that it is notorioslny evident that there were more open Rebellions during the five years of her short government than during the four and forty yeares of her late Majesties after-reigne and yet these and such like men as these are accounted Martyrs whiles we onely suffered Martyrdome Had this good Bishop I say lived to have seen and to have observed all these particulars how much more able would he have been to have answered Master Rich his Objection from his Majesty concerning the inconsistency of the Pope of Rome's spirituall with his temporall Supremacy but now both the Fish and the Fâ—sher himself is caught within the Net that was laid for him for Mr. Rich was no sooner departed from him but immediately after the King commanded a Commission to be drawn and given to Mr. Audely his Lord Chancellour and certaine other persons commissionated under his great Seale to enquire and determine Treasons which Commission was dated the first day of Iune in the 27. yeare of the Kings reigne against which time the Kings learned Councell among the rest had drawn up an Indictment of high Treason against the Bishop of Rochester and three Monks of the Charter-house of London whose names were William Exmew Humphrey Midlemore and Schastian Nudigate This Indictment was not long in finding for on St. Barnaby's day the Apostlâ— being the 11. of Iune it was presented to the Commissioners sitting in the Kings Bench at Westminster whereupon the Carthusians were shortly after arraigned and condemned and having sentence of high Treason pronounced upon them they were all three put to death at Tyburne the 19. day of Iune next following all in their Religious habits But this good Bishop of Rochester now Cardinall if it be lawfull to call him so chanced at that time to be very sick insomuch that he had likely to have saved the Commissioners and divers others a great deale of paines which afterwards they bestowed upon him and it is conceived would willingly have spared wherefore the King sent unto him his owne Physitians to administer unto him to his great charges as I have it in my Record to the value of fifty pounds onely that he might be eâ—served for fuâ—ther â—riall In the mean time lest any conveyance might be made of his good remaining at Rochâ—â—ter or elsewhere in Kent the King sent one Sir Richard Morison of his Privy chamber and one Gostwick together with divers other Commissioners down into that Countrey to make seisure of all his moveable goods that they could finde there who being come unto Rochester according to their Commission entred his house and the first thing which they did they turned out all his Servants then they fell to rifling his goods whereof the chief part of them were taken for the Kings use the rest they took for themselves then they came into his Library which they found so replenished and with such kind of Books as it was thought the like was not to be found againe in the possession of any one private man in Christendom with which they â—russed up and filled 32. great fats or pipes besides those that were imbezel'd away spoyl'd and scatter'd and whereas many yeares before he had made a deed of gift of all these books and other his housholdstuffe to the Colledge of St. Iohne in Cambridge as in the beginning of this History it was mentioned two frauds were committed in this trâ—spasse the Colledge were bereaved of their gifâ— and the Bishop of his purpose yet both found out a way through gratitude to a reception for the Colledge accepted the good will for the deed and the Almighty received the giver for his good-will and whereas a summe of money of 3001. was given by a Predecessor of the Bishop to remaine as a Dâ—positum for ever to the said See of Rochester in the custody of the Bishop for the time being against any occasion that might happen to the Bishoprick to which this good Bâ—shop had added one hundred pounds out of his own purse with this inscription upon a labell which hung out at the bags mouth Tu quoque fac simile and notwithstanding that there was there written in an old character upon the inside of the Chest Let no man offer to lay hands on this for it is the Churches Treasure yet they swept it all away And I cannot omit as a Scaene of mirth in this sad Tragedie to relate unto you one merry passage which hapned in this quaerendum There was a wooden coffer strongly girded about with hoops of iron and double lâ—cked which stood in his Oratory where commonly no man came but himself for
some of you my old acquaintance I know you wish me no hurt but a great deale of good and I doe believe that upon the termes you speak of might have the Kings favour as much as ever Wherefore If you can answer me to one question I will pâ—rform all your desires What 's that my Lord said one and all of them It is this said the Bishop What will it gain a man to win the whole world and to lose his own soule Whereupon after some little talk to no purpose they all left him some of them wishing for their owne security that either they had him in the same danger that they were in or else that they were endued with the same constancy of minde that he was of Now the same God which refused him comfort in his Visitants sent him the consolation of a fellow Sufferer which was Sir Thomas Moore the fame of the world who was now sent to the same prison where he was and for the same cause whereat he seemed to conceive no small joy to whom as soon as opportunity would give leave he sent by his man his most loving and heartly commendations and received the like from him between whom to their comforts there passed sundry Letters for a while untill such time that there was notice taken thereof and one of their Letters interceptâ—d and carried to the Kâ—ngâ— Councel which being read although there was not in any part of 〈◊〉 least part of evil yet was it taken in â—vil part and a great charge was given unto their Keepers to restraine them from that libâ—rty The Bâ—shâ—ps man being clapt up â— close prisoner and threatned to be hanged for carrying Lâ—tters to Sir Thomas Moore asked the Keeper if there were another Act of Parliament come forth whereby a man should be hanged for serving his Master Which coming from a man that was so noted for simplicity set them into such â— laughter that after a little examination as how many Letters he had carried c. he was set at liberty with a strict charge given him that he should carry no more Letters After the King had tried all other waies he sent the Lord Chancelour Audely together with the Duke of Suffolk the Earle of Wiltshire Secretary Cromwell and divers others of the Councel to the Bâ—shop of Rochâ—ster to certifie him of the new Law that was lately made concerning the Kings Supremacy and the penalty thereof to them that should gainsay it or withstand it and to know in his Majâ—sty's name whether he would acknowledge it as the rest of the Lords both spirituall and temporall had done or not to which the Bâ—shop after some pause replied unto them My Lords you present bâ—fore me a two-edged sword for if I should answer you with a disacknowledgement of the Kings Supremacy that would be my death and if I should aâ—knowledge the same perhaps contrary to my owne conscience that would be assuredly unto me worse than death wherefore I make it my humble request unto you that you would beare with my silence for I shall not make any direct answer to it at all Whereupon the Commissioners were nothing satisfied but urged him more and more to answer one way or other directly telling him how displeasing such kinde of shiftings will appeare unto his Mâ—jâ—sty how much the King was formerly displeased with his correspondence with Sâ—r Thomas Moore wherefore said the Lord Câ—ancelour if you should now thus use him you would exasperate his grievous indignation against you more and more and give him just cause to think that ye deal more stubbornly with him than well becomes the duty of a good Subjâ—ct To which the Bishop replied That as concerning the Letters which had passed between him and Sir Thomas Moor he wishâ—d with all his heart they were now to be read which if they were said he tâ—ey would declare more innocence than hurt on our behalfe most of them being onely friendly salutations and encouragements to patience Indeed I was a little curious knowing the great learning and profound wâ—t that is in the man to know what answer he had made to the questions which were asked him concerning the Statute which answers he sent unto me as I had sent unto him mine And this is all the conspiracy that was between us upon that conscience which I suffer for and will suffer â— thousand deaths before ever it shall be called upon by me to justifie the least untruth And whereas you tell me that his Majesty will be much displeased with me for this doubtful kind of answer truly my Lords no man shall be more sorry for the Kings displeasure than he that tells you he is sâ—rry to displease the King but when the case so stands that in speaking I cannot please him except I displease Almighty God I hope his Mâ—jâ—sty will be well satisfied with my silence Then said Mr. Cromwell Wherein do you more than other men who have satisfiâ—d the Kings desires herein think you shâ—ll displâ—ase Almighty God Bâ—cause said the Bâ—shâ—op I know how my own conscience dictates to me but do not how anothers may inform him If your conscience be so setled said my Lord Chancelour I doubt not but you can give us some good reasons for it Indâ—eâ— my Lord said the Bâ—shop I think I am able to give your Lordships reasons that pâ—rhaps may seem sufficient why my conscience stands affected as it doth and could be well contented that you heare them could I declare my minde with safety and without offence unto his Majesty and his Laws After which not a word more was spoken for that time but calling for the Lieutenant they re-delivered him unto his custody giving the Lieutenant a strict charge that no further conference or messages should pass between him and Sir Thomas Moore or any other All which being related to the King upon their returne to Court the King swore they were all fooles and asked them if there werâ— not more waies to the wood than one they told his Majesty that they had tried all the waiâ—s that they could finde or think upon advising his Majo to send some of his own Coat unto him to perswade him further as thinking it more proper for them but the King swore Mother of God both Moore and he should take the Oath or he would know why they should not and they should make them do it or he would see better reasons why they could not wishing them to see his face no more untill it were done CHAP. XXI 1. The notable slights which the Councel used to procure the two Prisoners Fisher and Moore to take the Oath 2. The King sends the most grave and learnedst Bishops unto him 3. How the Bishops Man set upon his Master to perswade him after such time as the Bishops were gone and could not prâ—vaile with him 4. Bishop Fisher is created Cardinall by Paul the third Pope of Rome 5. The Cardinalls Hat was sent as far