not a Kentish Knight having spent a great Estate at Court and brought himself to one Park and a fine House in it was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen but her Brother at it and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms and a Motto overwritten thus OIA VANITAS in great Golden Letters Sir Anthony Cooke and not his Son Cecil offering to read it desired to know of the Gentleman what he meant by OIA who told him it stood for Omnia Sir Anthony replied Sir I wonder having made your Omnia so little as you have you notwithstanding make your Vanitas so large King Edward would say of his Tutors That Radolph the German spake honestly Sir Iohn Cheek talked merrily Dr. Coxe solidly and Sir Anthony Cooke wâ—ighingly A faculty that was derived wiâ—h his blood to his Grandchilde Bacon which informs the world of this great truth That Education doth much towards Parts Industry more Converse Encouragement and Exercise more yet but a sound temper and nature an wholesome blood and spirit derived from healthful and well-constitutioned Parents doth all Observations on the Life of Sir David Brooke DAvid Brooke Knight born at Glassenbury Son to Iohn Brooke Esq who was Serjeant at Lâ—w to King Henry the Eighth Our David was also bred in the Study of our Laws and in the first of Queen Mary was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer but whether dying in or quitting the place in the first of Qâ—een Elizabeth I am not informed He married Katherine Daughter of Iohn Lord Chandois but dyed without issue A Lawyer and a Lawyers son yet one whose zeal for the Religion of that time advanced rather â—han his Law to serve rather his Princes interest than his Court that being the happy shall I say or unhappy time when the Soveraign and the State did often consult with Judges and the Judges more often consult with the Sovereign and State Yet although a particular respect raised a general fair carriage kept him up He observed not onely things but times not onely times but persons therefore when old Poâ—nal Laws came before him he confined them in the execution that that which was made for terror should not be for rigour and the Instrument of Government should not be the snare of the People When Informers of that Court were too busie he checked them when violent prosecution cunning advantages combinations power or great counsel balanced an honest cause he set all things even His invention was good to improve his Mistresses Revenue his conscience was as tender to diminish it Q. Mary was ready of her own inclination but readier upon Sir David Brookes motion to part with the Church-Profits Patient and grave he was in hearing sparing and weighty in speaking None would direct an Evidence more orderly none moderated the length or impertinency of Pleaders more discreetly None would recapitulâ—â—â—e select collate the material points of what had been said more exactly none gave judgement more satisfactorily always commending a good Lawyer that miscarried a good way to uphold in the Client the reputation of his counsel and beat down in him the conceit of his cause He dyed with some projects in his breast for the Revenue and some for the Law whereof one was a composition for the Purveyances and another a regulation of the Wards both at that time thought till regulated as unprofitable for the Crown as they seemed to be burthensome to the subject He had a close way of discovering Concealments as he had a severe one of punishing frauds His word was One Law executed is worth twenty made None more austere in case of others wrong none more mild in that of his own and he would say What is done is done Weak men concern themselves in what is past while the wise take care of what is present and to come If a man wrongeth me once God forgive him saith the Italian if he wrongeth me the second time God forgive me Others may be even with their enemies in râ—venge he would be above them in forgiveness An enemy I say though otherwise to a perfidious and unworthy friend he was much of Cosmus Duke of Florence his temper who said You shall read that we are commanded to forgive our enemies but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends Many have in veighed against Usury none have done more against it than this Knight who if he had lived was resolved to reduce it to these Rules 1. That it should be declared unlawful 2. Being declared so if any practised it as men must do or Traffick will fall that there should be a penalty upon the Usurer which might amount to an Excise or Custom that would arise from that money if employed in merchandize 3. That yet if any exacted above five in the hundred they should lose the principal A rate that on the one hand would keep up the necessary Commerce of Lending and Borrowing among the Old and the Idle and yet direct men to that more neâ—essary of buying and improving Land and other Commodities that are more industrious and ingenious 4. That none yet presume this but in some principal places of merchandizing for then as my Lord Bacon hath projected it they will hardly be able to colour other mens money in the Country for no man will lend his money far off or put it into unknown hands Or Lastly That there be no money lent out upon terms but to the State which may make its advantage of it Indeed considering on the one hand that Usury decayeth the Kings Custom bringeth money to few hands damps Industry and Invention beats down the price of the land and by eating up private Estates breeds a publick poverty It were to be wished it were forbidden And on the other That Borrowers trade most that No usury no young Merchants that Without usuâ—y men must sell their Estates at under-rates more sad than usury that No borrowing no living no usury no borrowing It were wished it were regulated so that the inconveniences of it were avoided and the advantages retained and extortâ—on be checked as Traffick is encouraged Thus he that hath no private care advanceth the publick Good and the childless man is most thoughtful for Posterity Certainly the best Works and of greatest merit for the Publick have proceeded from the unmarried or the childless man who both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune For they are Impediments either to Vertue or Mischief A fat man in Rome riding always upon a very lean Horse being asked the Reason thereof answered That he fed himself but he trusted others to feed his Horse Our Judge being asked what was the best way to thrive said Never do anything by another that you can do by your self Observations on the Life of Doctor Thomas Wilson THomas Wilson born in Lincolnshire was Doctor of Laws bred Fellow of
our known duty but our visible advantage to ascribe our most eminent performances to providence since it not only takes off the edge of envy but improves the reason of admiration None being less maliced or more applauded than he who is thought rather happy than able blessed than active and fortunate than cunning Though yet all the caution of his life could not avoid the envy of â—is advancement from so mean a beginning to so great honours notwithstanding that it is no disparagement to any to give place to fresh Nobility who ascend the same stâ—ps with those before them New being only a term saith one only respecting us not the world for what is was before us and will be when we are no more And indeed â—his Personage considering the vanity and inconstancy of common applause or affronts imprâ—ved the one and checked the other by a constant neglect of bothâ— Observations on the Life of Sir Dudly Careleton SIr Dudly Careleton was born in Oxford-shire bred in Christs-Church in Oxford under Dr. King and afterwards in relation of Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood in the Low-Countreys where he was very active when King Iames resigned the cautionary Towns to the States Here he added so great experience to his former Learning that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice Savoy and the Vnited Provinces Anne Gerard his Lady Co-heir to George Gerard Esquire accompanying him in all his Travels as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster-Abby He was by K. Charls the first to balance the Duke of Buckingham's enemies in the House of Peers with the Lord Mandevil now Earl of Manchester and the Lord Grandison created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey and afterwards Viscount Dorchester marrying for his second Wife the Daughter of Sir Henry Glenham the Relict of Paul Viscount Banning who survived him He succeeded the Lord Conway when preferred President to the Council in the Secretary-ship of State being sworn at White-Hall December 14. 1628. and dying without Issue Anno Dom. 163 Much ado he had to remove a State-jealousie that was upon him That he insisted on â—he restitution of some Towns in Cleves and Iuliers to gratifie the Spaniards at that time in Treaty with us more to remove a Church-jealousie that in negotiating an accommodation in Religion he designed the undermining of the Remonstrants then in so much power there In which matter he was at a loss whether his Majesty should interpose by Letter or Message The former he said was most effectual but the later less subject to misconstruction considering Barnevel's interest in the State But he had a Chaplain one Mr. Hales that kept this Controversie even on the one hand while he balanced the State-interest on the other equally careful that the United Provinces should not be over-run by the Armies of Spain and that they should not be swallowed up by the protectiâ—n of France Watchful was his eye there over the West-India Company Diligent his carriage upon any accommodations from Spain which he apprehended always as a design to distract that people then in regard of their unsetledness but too apt upon any dispute to fall into faction Great his industry in reconciling Sir Horace Vere and Sir Edward Cecil for the honour of the English Nation and the advancement of the common service Sincere his services â—o the Prince Elector and his Lady Exaâ—t his rules of Traffique and Commerce and dexterous his arts of keeping the States from new alliances notwithstanding our likely Marriage-treaty with Spain especially since the Prince of Orange bluntly after his manner asked Qui at ' il vostre Marriage And indeed he behaved himself in all Employments so well becoming a man that understood so many Languages that was so well versed in Ancient and Modern History that had composed so many choice pieces of Politicks that was so well seen in the most practical Mathematicks and added to these a graceful and charming look a gentle and a sweet elocution that notwithstanding his and his Brother Bishop Carleton's rigidness in some points kept him to his dying-day in great favour and most eminent service and failing in nothing but his French Embassy because there he had to do with Women Leaving behinde him this observation That new Common-wealthâ— are hardly drawn to a certain resolution as who knowing not how to determine and remaining onely in suspence take ordinarily that course rather which they are forced â—o than what they might choose for themselves And this eminent service when he assisted the Earl of Holland in France viz. That he pacified the high difference there upon which the revolt of the Hugonots depended and put a real resolution in Kâ—ng Lewis to advance against the Valtoline and Spain by the advantage of the League with England proceeding upon this Maxim with that King They that have respect to few things are easily misled I had almost forgot how this Lord finding that want of Treasure at home was the ground of our unsuccessful and despicableness abroad and that Principe senza quatrius e come un muro senza crole da tulls scompisâ—iato That a Prince without money is like a wall without a Cross for every one to draw upon did mention the Excise in the Parliament-House and in no ill meaning neither and was violently cryed to the Bar and though a person of that eminence as being then a Privy-Councellor and principal Secretary of State he hardly escaped being committed to the Tower So odious was that Dutch-Devil as they called it in the excellent King Charles which was raised by the beloved Parliament with many more that were conjured up in three or four years but not likely to be laid in three or fourscore Living in those times when weak men imagined to themselves some unknown bliss from untried governments and considering that alterations countervail not their own dangers and as they bring little good to any so they bring least of all to those that first promoted them This Lord refused to be the mouth of the Zealous multitude whose rage could neither be well opposed nor joyned with whom a pardon or compliance might bring off leaving their Demagogues to compound for their folly with their ruine choosing rather to be patient than active and appear weak than be troublesom and once resolved upon an exact survey of circumstances for power against the faults of it on the one hand and the affronts of it on the other he gained the esteem of all parties by his fidelity to his own I am much taken with his plain saying which I find of late printed There will be mistakes in Divinity while men preach and errors in Government while such govern And more with his method of proceeding in his affairs whereof he laid first an Idea in his own mind and then improved it by debate the result whereof was usually so compleat as shewed the vast difference between the shallow conceptions of one man and the
of confidence as frowned on them as enemies that acknowledged not his friendship or depended not on his favour to balance him and my Lord Cecil this gallant Gentleman and of honourable extraction was placed in her eye many hoping by his application to draw from her heart the affection they thought mortal to them and their design the whole result concluding in a Duel that raised both in their Mistriss affections as Champions for her beauty now and like to be so for her Government There are some Letters of this noble persons to be seen I am told of a plain and equal style becoming a States-man and business not seldome yet admitting of several constructions if of any interpretation at all where the business related to a thing whose consequence could not easily be seen into Observations on the Life of Edward Earl of Rutland A Noble-man eminent for those several Endowments which single do exact an entire man For a person of his quality to be an accurate Critick in he learned Tongues and then as a Rhetorician to make all their Graces serve his Eloquence to have traversed Ancient and yet be no Stranger in Modern Writers to be well versed in the more crabbed Philosophy and accurate in Politer classick Authorsâ— to be learned in History and Policy and Master in the Law of the Land and of Nations For such a man to have devoured so much and yet digested it is a rarity in nature and in diligence which hath but few examples yet his speculative knowledge that gave light to the most dark and difficult proposals became eclipsed by the more dazling lustre of his more practick and experimental prudence which together with his alliance to my Lord Burleigh had voted him to Bromley's place but that they both sickned in one day and died in one week he leaving these four Advisoes behind him 1. Be always employed 2. Look to the Issue 3. Be furnished with a Friend And 4. Reflect upon thy self Vita est in se Reflexio Observations on the Life of Sir John Smith HIS Relation to Edward the sixth his Cousin German was enough to countenance his parts and his parts ripe and large enough to advance his person His gravity could be no where better employed than in Spain nor his reservedness any where more suâ—table than in Italy In Spain his carriage had a great impression upon the King and his spirit upon the whole Court. For Gasper Quiroga Arch-Bishop of Toledo inveighing bitterly against the Queen's person and more against her Title Defender of the Faith was answered by him with that Wisdom and Prudence that his Majesty of Spain checked the Arch-Bishop as an Impertinado as he called him and hugged Sir Iohn Smith as a man who had made himself dreadâ—ul and his Mistriss therefore much more to that Court They who least consider hazard in the doing of their duty fare best still The surest way to safety is to have one interest espoused so firmly as never to be changed Nor did he this out of a vainer bottome than an observation he made of his Mistrisses resolution already in despair of procuring good from any milder endeavours than those of power A signal testimony of the commanding worth this Gentleman had which extorted a reverence to his person in that very place where his business contracted an Odium An excellent person he was in whom honesty of manners strived with Nobiâ—ity of Birth and merit with honour of a composed and stayed temper that would say under all temptations to disquiet Either the thing before us is in our power or it is not If it be why do we not manage it to our content If not why are we discontented especially since every thing hath two bandles If the one prove hot and not to be touched we may take the other that is more temperate Upon which consideration all private concernments he passed over with a perfect indifference the world and its Appendages hanging so loose about him that he never took notice when any part dropt off or sate uneasily Observations on the Life of Sir Walter Rawleigh SIr Walter Rawleigh was well descended and of good Alliance but poor in his beginning He was one so tosted by fortune to and fro that he was sometimes high sometimes low sometimes in a middle condition He was brought up in the University and Innes of Courâ— but he stayed not long in a place and being the youngest Brother and the House diminished in Patrimony he foresaw his own destiny that he was first to â—oul through want and disability before he could come to a repose He first exposed himself to the Land-service of Ireland a Militia which then did not yield him food and raiment nor had he patience to stay there though shortly after he came thither again under the command of the Lord Grey As for his Native parts and those of his own acquiring he had in the outward man a good presence in a handsome and well-compacted person a strong natural wit and a better judgement with a bold and plausible tongue whereby he could set out his parts to the best advantage and to these he had the adjuncts of some general learning which by diligence he enforced to a great Augmentationâ— and Perfection for he was an indefatigable Reader whether by Sea or Land and none of the least observers both of Men and the Times Falling from that sudden grace which he by his parts had gained of the Queen he went aside for a while but at his return he came in with the greater strength and so continued to her last great in her favour and Captain of the Guard His prudence understood his capacity and his industry served it raising his fortune as high as his parts and his parts as high as his mind His Motto was Either dye nobly or live honorably Never man prospered but the resolute and he that hath awaked an easie soft sleepy or indifferent temper to the noble adventure of being Caesar or being none a disposition meeting a large and capacious soul in this Gentleman taught him the exact discipline of War in Ireland and the Low-Countries the great skill of a Sea-man between Europe and America and a patience as severe in enduring hardship as his necessity in requiring it Five hours he slepâ— four he read two he discoursed allowing the rest to his business and his necessities no Souldier fared or lay harder none ventured further what is not extraordinary he would say is nothing It being the end of all Arts and Sciencies to direct men by certain rules unto the most compendious way in their knowledge and practice those things of which in our selves we have onely some imperfect confused notions being herein fully and clearly represented to our view from the discoveries that other men have made after much study and long experience and there is nothing of greater consequence for the advancement of Learning than to finde out those particular advantages which there are
only discovered many false Writings which were past but also deterred dishonest Chearers from attempting the like for the future He made good use of Bishop Usher's Interest while he was there as appears by the excellent Speech that the Bishop made for the King's supply Being recalled into England he lived honourably in the County aforesaid until by a sad casualty he broke his Leg on a Stand in Theobald's Park and soon after dyed thereof He married the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Lawrence Tanfield Chief Baron of the Exchequer by whom he had a fair Estate in Oxfordshire His death happened Anno Dom. 1620. being Father to the most accomplish-Statesman 2. Lucius Lord Falkland the wildness of whose youth was an argument of the quickness of his riper years He that hath a spirit to be unruly before the use of his reason hath mettle to be active afterwards Quick-silver if fixed is incomparable besides that the adventures contrivances secrets confidence trust compliance with opportunity and the other sallies of young Gallants prepare them more serious undertakings as they did this noble Lord great in his Gown greater in his Buffe able with his Sword abler with his Pen a knowing Statesman a learned Scholar and a stout man One instance of that excess in learning and other great perfections which portended ruine to this Nation in their opinion who write that all Extreams whether of Vertue or Vice are ominous especially that unquiet thing call'd Learning whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth its own period and that of the Empire it flourisheth in a too universally dilated Learning being not faithful to the settlements either of Policy or Religion it being no less ready to discover blemishes in the one than Incongruities in the other Sophisters saith my smart Author like the Countrey of the Switz being as able upon the least advantage proposed to engage on the wrong side as on the right As to go no further this excellent Personage being among the Demagogues that had been for twelve years silenced and were now to play the prize in Parliament and shew their little twit-twat but tedious faculties of speaking makes the bitterest Invective against the Governours and government of the Church that ever was penned in English â— which though designed by him it 's thought only to allay the fury of the Faction by some compliance with it carried things beyond the moderation and decency of that Assembly which he made too hot for himself retyring in cooler thoughts as many more that like Brutus could not lay the stormâ— they had raised to Oxford where his Pen was more honourably imployed in deâ—ecting the fundamental Error of Rome their infallibility and countermining the main props of Westminster their Hypocrisie this as Secretary the other as a Student in both laying open the little preâ—ensions whereby poor people were insnared in their Civil and Religious Liberty Much was the gall always in his Ink and very sharp his Pen but even flowing and full his Style such as became him whose Learning was not an unsetled mass of reading that whirled up and down in his head but fixed Observations that tempered with solid prudence and experience were the steady Maxims of his Soul fitted for all times and occasions he having sate as some Noble-mens sons used to do formerly in the House of Lords behind the Chair of State from his very child-hood and owning a large heart capable of making that universal inspection into things that much becomes a Gentleman being a Master in any thing he discoursed of Insomuch that his general knowledge husbanded by his wit and set off by his Meine and Carriage attracted many to come as far to see him as he professed he would go to see Mr. Daillee which rendred him no less necessary than admirable at Court until his Curiosity engaging him at Newbery he was strangely slain there dying as he lived till then between his Friends and Enemies to the King 's great grief who valued him because he understood his parts and services in the Treaty at Oxford where he was eminent for two things the timing of Propositions and concealing of Inclinations though no man so passionate for his dedesign as never enduring that hope that holds resolution so long in suspence but ever allaying it with that fear that most commonly adviseth the best by supposing the worst His usual saying was I pity unlearned Gentlemen in a rainy day 3. He was Father first to Henry Lord Falkland whose quick and extraordinary parts and notable spirit performed much and promised more having a great command in the Countrey where he was Lord-Lieutenant a general respect in the house where he was Member a great esteem at Court with his Majesty and his Royal Highness the Duke of York where he was both wit and wisdom When there was the first opportunity offered to honest men to act he laid hold of it and got in spight of all opposition to a thing called a Parliament By same token that when some urged he had not sowed his wilde Oats he is said to reply If I have not I may sow them in the House where there are Geese enough to pick them up And when Sir F. N. should tell him he was a little too wilde for so grave a service he is reported to reply Alas I am wilde and my Father was so before me and I am no Bastard as c. In which Contention he out-did the most active Demagogues at their own weapon speaking When Major Huntington and his followers were for the long Parliament Sir F. N. L. S. c. were for the secluded Members My Lord carried all the County for an absolute free Parliament which he lived to see and act in so successfully that he was voted generally higher in trusts and services had he not been cut off in the prime of his years as much missed when dead as beloved when living A great instance of what a strict Education for no man was harder bred a general Converse and a noble Temper can arrive to and what an Orator can do in a Democracy where the Affections of many is to be wrought upon rather than the judgment of few to be convinced A golden tongue falling under a subtle head under such a constitution hath great influence upon the whole Nation Observations on the Life of Sir James Ley Earl of Marlborough SIr Iames Ley son of Henry Ley Esquire one of great Ancestry who saith my Author on his own cost with his men valiantly served King Henry the Eighth at the siege of Boloin being his Fathers sixth son and so in probability barred of his inheritance endeavoured to make himself an Heir by his Education applying his Book in Brazeâ—-Nose-Colledge and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolus-Inne wherein such his proficiency King Iames made him Lord Chief-Justice in Ireland Here he practised the charge King Iames gave him at his going over yea what his own tender Conscience gave
help him to a young Wife but he must raise him to a new Power Wolsey must be Pope or King Henry could not be divorced and to make all sure he was no sooner to be parted from a Daughter of Spain than he was to be joyned to a Princess of France whose Nuptial Ring should wed King Henry to Her and King Francis to Himself Two ways did he disoblige Queen Anne Bullein that was his deadly enemy 1. by dissolving the Contract between her and the Lord Piercy the Earle of Northumberlands Eldest Son to please the King 2. by endeavouring to hinder or at least delay the Marriage between her and the King to gratifie himself whom in vain afterwards by Inventions unheard of he endeavoured to please as well as the King when he saw the Contrivances of a great Wit the Allurements of a Famous Beauty and the malice of a disappointed Woman joyned to the envy of the greatest Lord whom he had ordered as irrespectively as the meanest subject When it is once past Noon with a Court-Favourite it is presently Night with him for knowing that the Cardinal was cunning and the King not yet cruel they longed to have him at York while at Londen and again they contrive to bring him to London while at York the first upon pretense that he might do good the last with design that he might do no harme Sed nullae sunt occultiores insidiae quà m hae quae latent in simulatione officij as he observed the method of some old cunning Parliament-men who when they had a mind to cross a Bill were always highest for it in the House as the Eagle carried the shell up in the skye to break it and would insert so many and so great inconveniences into the Act that they were sure it could never pass Tuta frequensque via est per amici fallere nomen Missing of Power he meditates Honour and instead of lavishing his infinite Treasure upon airy Expectations he bestoweth it on real Monuments witness the great work at Callice c. which makes his Memory a Renowned as his Life That Statesman lives to small purpose whose Actions are as short as his Life and his Exploits of no longer duration than his Age. At this time though King Henry bore the Sword yet Cardinal Wolsey as I am told bore the stroâ—e all over the Land being Legate a latere by verâ—us whereof he visited all Churches and Religion Houses even the Friers Observants themselves notwithstanding the stoutness and stubbornness that first opposed him Papal and Royal Power met in him being the Chancellour of the Land and keeping so many Bishopricks in Commendam that his yearly Income is said to equal if not exceed the Revenues of the Crown He gave the first blow to Religious Houses by making one great Cardinal Colledge now Christ-Câ—urch of which one comparing his project with his performance said Instituit Collegium absolvit Popinam And another being asked what he thought of the ampleness of the Foundation answered Fundatione nihil amplius to which I may add his Colledge at Ipswich of forty small Monasteries to make way as some thought upon the Popes consent procured by him to the overthrow of all He called all Captains and Officers to an accounâ— who bought off their own small corruption with his great one and paid him the penalties of their Cheats with the Gains of it the Richest of them escaping and the poorest only made exemplary Several Courts of pretended Equity he erected to redress the poor that was the Colour to inrich himself that was the Reality at whose constitution the Law-Courts were unfrequented so specious was their seeming Integrity at the lsâ—t they are deserted so manifest was their real Grievances the people not flocking so fast aâ—ter the Novelty as they ran away from the Cheat though his pretense was fair that the Kingdome should not be a Common-Wealth of Fish where the greater devoured the Less What he did to reform the Courtiers as a Fâ—vourite he did to reform the Clergy as Legate erecting a Court Legantine not without danger of a Praemunire wherein all Clergy were visited the Rich in their Purses that excused them the Poor in their Reputation that compounded for them Neither did his profits arise from the Living onely but the Dead he engrossing the Probation of all Wills and Testaments within his own Court he had petty projects viz. that Children should foâ—low their Fathers Profession saying that he observed that the Fathers Eminency in any act begat in the Child a propension to the same and wheâ—e two or three successiâ—e Generations happily insist in the steps one of another they raise an art to great peâ—fection and liked well the prudence of our Parliaments in permitting the Eldest Son of Barons to be pâ—esent at their Câ—nsultations to fit them by degrees for the person they are to sustain And not long after he hath a Paâ—eâ—t under the Great Seal of England to do what he pleased in the French Couâ—t in order to the Kingâ— Progresse thither as he hath likewise afâ—er with his Masters leave under the great seal of France After which honour he was with the Kings Order by English Subjects the Lord Mayor and Aldermen c. honoured at no lesse rate than that of a Prince and by the Clergy who kept close to the publick temper with Processions c. at the same rate with a Pope Great he was in England greater in Germany where all the Nobiliâ—y attended him the Great Seal of England was carried before him and the Emperour oâ—serving his Commission and Honour met him with his whole Train and harangued it with him no less than two days He that over-ruled Empires might well presume on Subjects and no sooner therefore doth he return than by his own Authority he levieth four shillings in the pound of every man that was worth fifty pound per annum and when that would not do pretending to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen that he had been upon his Knees to revoke those Commissiâ—ns other Letters for a Benevolence which lost him as much in the Countrey as his Reformation of the Houshold did him at Court But the King employeth him to France as his Second and takes his leave of him as hiâ— intimate Friend 1200 Horse attended him Calliceâ— Bullein Amiens honour him with the name of The Peaceable Cardinal and the Statue of a Cardinal Rescuing a Church and a Pope from danger whom yet underhand he brought into danger making the Duke of Bourbon General against the King of France to Revenge himself and yet making an underhand Peace with France which the Duke knew not of till he took the Instrument of Peace Sealed at the Castle of Pavia to please others for which last exploit carried on privately by receiving the French Ambassadour as an Italian Jester the Duke of Bourbon resolved to goe and Sack Rome and punish all the Cardinals he could come at for the fault
strengthen his Interest abroad To which he added the Statute of Succession the Oath of Supremacy Sir William Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King the suppression of Religious Houses the War in Ireland under Sir William Sheffington and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebellion in the North by a connivance and delay But all his services could not quit him from suspicion nor his popularity from envy The Lord Daâ—cy accuseth him to excuse himself and Cromwel seconds him â—o secure himself as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweâ—h after another his Nieces miscarriages threatned his fall but that the honest man as appears from a Letter the whole Council sent to Sir William Paget then resident in France was the first that declared against her and put the King upon the most safe honourable ways of trying her which satiâ—fied his Majesty so far that he employed him as câ—ief in the Treaty upon the Borders and General in the War when that Treaty failed Sir Anthony Brown upon his Recommendation being added to the Commissioners in Scotland and to the Privy-Council in England â—s Master of the King's Horse as Sir Iohn Gages was Comptâ—oller of his House Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch serviceâ— this Duke gave the King a waâ—y and grave counsel to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland But Greatness is fatal The King is old and testy the Government disordered irregular the Duke too stifly honest to comply the Council envy him and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions and they to save themselves his privacies and secrets His son a man of a deep undeâ—standing of a sharp wit and great valour bred up with Henry Fitz-roy at Windsor and afterwards at Paris was beheaded before his face His Favourite Mâ—s. Holland deposed That he said many looked for the Protectorship when the King who lived and moved by Engines and Art rather than by Nature should die but he would carry it That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Country but he would follow his Fathers Lesson which was That the less others set by him the more he would set by himself That he had a Daughter for the King as well as othersâ— c. His Estate was great his power greater the King's occasions had swallowed up the one and his Enemies ambition the other notwithstanding his humble submission before the Council and his many services to the King had not his Majesties Death saved his Life As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love so â—he greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours It is indiscreet to oppress any dangerous a Prince with Kindnesses which being Fetters are Treason on that Person But Suspicion Ah sad Suspicion The Companion of the Weak or Guilty The Cloud of the Mind The Forfeiture of Friends The check of Busineâ—s Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny Husbands to Jealousie Wise men to Irresolution and Melancholy Trust and you need never suspect But Policy and Friendship are incompatible I see where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Sovereign Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen Enemies Abroad Treacheâ—ies at Home Emulations of Neighbours Dissatisfaction of Friends Jealousies of most Fear of all unwelcome Inventions to palliate unjust Courses fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace with Projects of Honour and Plausibility with restless thoughts how to discover prevent conceal accommodate the Adversaries or his own Affairs Let us live and love and say God help poor Kings Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Stanley THe Stanley's service to Henry the Seventh was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the Eighth Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood and Valour danced in his spirits His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company and his active manhood to his service The Camp was his School and his Learning was a Pike and Sword therefore his Masters Greeting to him was when they met Hoh my Souldier In many places did he shew himself but no where more than at Flodden where his Archers fetched down the Scots from their fastness and relieved the English from their distress the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest and Siâ— Edward crowning it for which the King immediately set him high in his favour and not long aâ—ter as high in the world being made Baron Stanley and Lord Mounteagle Twice did he and Sir Iohn Wallop land with only 800. Men in the heart of France and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis the first time by Intelligence the second by a stratagem the third by valour and resolution and the fourth by hardship patience and industry In the dangerous Insurrection by Ashe and Capâ—â—in Cobler his Zeal for the States welfare was aâ—ove scruples and his Army was with â—im before â—is Commission for which dangerous piece of â—oyalty he asked pardon and received thanks Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels whose skill in Arms exceeded â—is Followâ—rs as much as his policy did their Leaders first he cut off their provisions and then secondly sowâ—d sedition among them whilst his Majesty gained â—ime by pretended Treaties to be even with them drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day and confounding the rest He lived wiâ—h this strange opinion that the soul of Man was like the winding up of a Watch and when the String was run out the Man died and there the Soul determined but he died not so Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bolen THe City enriched this Family their Parts raised them His Activity was as taking with King Henry as his Daughters beauty He was the Picklock of Princes upon his word only would the King model his Designs and upon his word alter them He discovered Ferdinand's underhand-treaty with Lewis and his design upoâ— Navarre aâ—d writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a coâ—clusion and to send over some treasure for said he the whole World iâ— now to be sold adding the necessity of a peace oâ— at least a truce with Scotland Sir Thomas Boleâ— was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue or Edmund de la Poâ—â— were dispatched out of the way Sir Thomas Howard was for it it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army or so renowned an Action with any subject especially when Maximilian the Emperour offered to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant and the Pope to attend him as Chaplain There is nothing more remarkable of Sir Thomâ—â— Bolen than 1. The Education of his Children his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court his youngest with the Pope at Rome and his Daughter with Queen Mary in France 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Iohns in Germany where
he over-reached the Emperour no less than the Earl oâ— Worcester did the French King so cunningly binding him that he understood nothing of our Affairs and yet so narrowly siâ—ting him that we knew all his Intrigues Visible was all the world to our State then and invisible our State to all the world From Germany he is sent with Richard Sampson D. H. to Spain to set Charles as forward against the French as he had done Maximilian His service advanced him to the honour of a Barony and a Viscountship and the profit of the Treasureship of the Houshold and his success upon the Malecontent Duke of Bourbon by Sir Io. Russel who treated with him in Disguise set him as high in the Kings favour as his Wife was a virtuous Lady that was the Kings Friend but not his Mistriss his delight and not his sin In Spain so earnestly did our Sir Thomas mediate â—or the delivering up of the French Hostages that as Sandoval saith Charles protested to him that for his sake onlâ— he would relinquish his Demand for the restitution of Burgundy in which the difficulty of the peace consisted adding further That for the same reason he would accept as well for Francis his two sons ransome as his charge what was freely offered viz. 2000000 Crowns and he with Sir Robert Poyntz make up that treaty the great Arbiâ—rators of Europe at whose disposal Kings set their Crowns and Kingdoms their Peace in whose breast fate the fate of Christendome by their voices to stand or fall As faithful is he to the King at home though to his own prejudice as he is serviceable abroad to his honour for when the people talked oddly out of envy to his Daughter now visibly in favour and piâ—y to Qâ—een Katherine Sir Thomas adviseth his Majesty to â—orbid his Daughter the Court and declare that those proceedings â—ere more to satisfie his Conscience and secure Succession than to gratifie any other more private respect so far to his Daughters discontent that she would not come near the King until her Father was commanded not without threats to bring her thither who by representing the common danger to them both obtained at length saith my Lord Herbert though not without much difficulty the consâ—â—t of his unwilling Daughter to return where yet she kept that distance that the King might easily perceive how sensible she was of her late dismission Sir Thomas would have married her to the Lord Percy but the King and Cardinal forbad it deterrin old Northumberland from it and he his Son Many Love-Letters between King Henry and Anne Bolen are sent to Rome one Letter beâ—wâ—en the Cardinal and his Confedeâ—ates is fetched thence by Sir Thomas his Dexterity who advised Sir Francis Bryan then Resident to get in with the Popes Closet-keepers Courtezan and shew her the Cardinals hand by which she might find out and copy his Expresses as she did to his ruine and our King 's great satisfaction To which Letter is annexed a Declaration under his hand and the Lords Darcy Mountjoy Dorset and Norâ—olk of 44 Articles against the great Cardinal His hand being now in he must through He adviseth the King to consult the Universities of Christendome He goeth in person when made Earl of Wiltshire to the Pope and contrives that a Declaration of the whole Kingdome in Parliament should follow him which so amused his Holiness with our Earls stratagems that he was asleep as it were until the state of England was quite altered To this he adds the peace with France and the interview with King Francis where his Daughter is married privately and her Brother made Yiscount Rochford Convening a Parliament to his mind at Black-Fryers and advancing an Arch-bishop to his purpose in Canterbury he is secure of the Church and of the Kingdom whereof the first hallowed the action the second confirmed it I say nothing of the bird the egge is bad and left by the hard hearted and Orstredg posterity in the Sand thinking it more engenuous to confess that the scandal of it is not to be answered than to bustle and keep a coil and twist new errors with old falling to Scylla for fear of Charybdis for fear of the absurditieâ— that dropped from that first one as thick as Sampsons Enemies heaps upon heaps Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Howard HE set out with his Fathers Reputation and came home with his own Britain feels his Arm to this day and the French his success Desperate were his Undertakings yet happy rash his Engagements yet honourable it being his Maxime That never did Sea-man good that was not resolute to a degree of madness The French Fleet he pursueth to the Haven under their own Forts closely Sir Edward considering the order wherein the French lay thought fit to advertise his King and Master thereof advising him withal saith my Author to come in person and have the glory of this Action but the Kings Council taking this Message into consideration and conceiving that it was not altogether fear as was thought but stratagem and cunning that made the French thus attend their advantage thought the King was not invited so much to the honour as to the danger of this Action therefore they write sharply to him again commanding him to do his duty whereof that brave person was so sensible that he landed 1500 men in the sight of 10000 and wasted the Country until being too confident he fell a while after into his Enemies hands the Lord Ferrers Sir Thomas Cheyney Sir Richard Cornwal and Sir Iohn Wallop looking on but not able to relieve him Four Reasons he would usually give against a War with the Low-Countries 1. The decay of Trade 2. The Diminution of Customs 3. The strengthening of France 4. The loss of their industry and inventions and so of the improvement of our Commodities Manufactures In the youth of this State as of all others Arms did flourish in the Middle-gate of it Learning and in the Declining as Covetousness and Thrift attend Old Age Mechanick Arts and Merchandize and this Gentleman was made for each part being not so much a Souldier as a Scholar nor so much a Scholar as a Merchant But a private spirit is most unfortunate and as my Oracle assures me whereas men of that temper all their time sacrifice to themselves they become in the end themselves sacrifices to fortune whose wings they thought by their wisdome to have pinioned Observations on the life of Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey SIr Thomas Howard was this Kings prime Counsellour a brave and an understanding man who was obliged to be faithful to his Master because an Enemy to Winchester emulation among Favourites is the security of Princes Four motives he offered for a Marriage with the Princess Katharine 1. A League with Spain against the growing power of our dangerous Neighbour France 2. The saving of much time and expense in Marriage by her being here 3. The
Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future By his Order he had as his share of Abbey-Lands Battle-Abbey in Sussex enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day And by his Authority he had the Honourable Garter He was the fiâ—st man that durst bring his Master the sad news That He must die And no wonder he durst do it for the next news is That he is dead himself How darest thou to be so plain said Heliogabalus to the Courtier Because I dare die said he I can but die if I am Faithful and I must die though I Flatter Tâ—is Gentlemans humour of crossing present proceedings was prettily reproved by King Hen. the Eighth's little story of a poor Woman drowned by mischance whose dead body whilst her Neighbours sought for down the River her Husband who knew her condition better than they advised them to seek up the River for all her life long she loved to be contrary to all others and he presumed she would swim against the stream being dead The End of the Obseâ—vations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Edward the VI. Observations on the Lives of the Seymours EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both Sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invincible but when divided easily overthrown by their Enemies EDward Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martial Men. He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all people He married Anne Daughter to Sir Edward Stanhop a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit THOMAS SEYMOUR the Younger brother was made BARON of Sudley and by Offices and the favours of his Nephew King Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea-Affairs and made Lord Admiral of England He lay at a close postuâ—e being of a reserved nature and more cunning in his carriage He married Queen Katherine Pâ—rr the Widow of King Henry 8. Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Trainâ— and in effect justled with her for precedence se that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and lonâ— Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands and occasioned their Executionâ— Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kingâ— favours but a frail support that which is as lasting only as a Phancy and only as certain as Passion therefore their Parts recommended them to his service Affection shall lead me to Court but I 'le take care that Inâ—erest keeps me there Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations and his spirit with his times both high both stirring In the throng of Courtiers there aâ—e but three steps to raise a man to observations 1. Some pecuâ—iar sufficiency 2. Some particular exploit and 3. An especial Friend This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth wherein the embattling is most remarkable viz. Twenty two compleat Companies make up four Squadrons eveâ—y Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart the Pikes and Colours on the left hâ—nd and the Musqueteers on the right These Squadrons make up a Brigade to be drawn up as followeth viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons every Platton being nine or so in front led by a Major and every division by a sufficient Commander Next after these Thirty six Rots of Pikes are to follow being twelve Corporalships with their Colours following them till they are drawn up even in front with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers This makes the Right Wing of the Brigade 2. The Battel of Pikes moveth forward in division doing in all respects as the former till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing Then the oâ—her 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points but at a reasonable distance behind the Pikes of their own Squadrons Then the last Squadron of Pikes marcheth up in all respects observing the same order until they have attained to range in front even with oâ—her â—ikes This being done the Battel or middle Squadron oâ— Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one body until it 's clear of the Wings Lastly the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Muâ—quetâ—eâ—s are drawn up behind the Brigadâ—e where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers to guard the Baggage or Cannon to be Convoâ—es for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasions 2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Britain where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose while it expected relief from Italy But at last he inâ—inuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City that obstructed all relief He with aâ— much speed and policy sets upon the two main Scâ—â—res for defense of the Town and took them bâ—th battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise that they say it was heard 100 miles off A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter but this succeeded not For the French in passing the Ditch had so weted their cloaths that dropping upon the Train the Powder would not take fire and so all things conspiring to crown his valour with success he takes the Castle first and then dividing the Town and weakning it by several assaults at once brought it to his own terms Here his Valour had been eminent but that his conduct was more and his Conduct renowned but that his nobleness towards the Conquered his civility and obligingness towards the Souldiery and his integrity towards all persons had out-done that There are but two things that a subject can honestly oblige his Prince in 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home 2. Keeping his enemies under abroad 1. Those soft but prudent Acts of Peace 2. Those resolved but well-managed wayes of War Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one nor a temper for the other But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth unless recommended by tryed judgments It 's fit as well as common that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things His Sister therefore was married on Whit sunday and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp But
next year his Nephew is born the hope and stay of his Majesty and his Realmes and he is made Earl of Hertford King Henry understanding that the Pope upon his own and Cardinal Pool's account stirred up all the Princes against him as a provident Prince rode himself to the Sea-coasts to see them fortified Admiral Fitz-williams is old Sir Thomas Seymour assists him to rigg the Navy to be in readiness in six dayes time Sir Edward is to muster the Land-Forces and particularly the City of London where were 15000 Armed men ready May 8 in St. Iameses at which place the City seemed a Camp and the Ciâ—izens men not of the Gown but of the Armour Great this Lords interest in and respect with the people as great his brothers with the Sea-men The Multitude would leave all for their good Lord of Hertford and the Sea-men would die with their noble Lord Seymouâ— When the King of Scots had deluded King Henry in his correspondencies with France beyond all patience and had been forborn beyond all saâ—ety or prudence Sir Edward Seymour is fiâ—st sent to treat and then to fight which he did with much success that 300 of his men and a Stratagem to possess the Scots with an apprehension that the whole English Army was upon them took and killed 30000 Scots had more prisoners than they could keep more booty than they could dispose of and adding this to their Victory that they broke the Kings heart There was no end to be expected of a War with Scotland but by marrying that Kings Daughter to our Sovereigns Son This Match was my Lord Seymour's interest as well as the Kings His prudence and experience is therefore employed first to perswade it and when that would not do so great and so cross the Papal power there by Cardinal Betons means his Valour and Resolution is sent with 10000 to compel it in order whereunto May 4. landing at Granther-Gray he marcheth in order towards Leith which after a defeat given the Cardinal the Earls of Arran Huntley c. by his Harquebusiers they entred and thence proceeded to Edinbuâ—gh My Lord Dudley leading the Front our Earl the Battle and the Earl of Shrewsbury the Reerward theâ—e the Keys are offered tâ—em upon conditions which they refusing and so making the Enemy desperate who resolveth rather to perish nobly than to be undone by submission the Town holds out and they are able to do no more with some considerable loss then burn the suburbs wast the Country to an utter desolation for seven miles compass demolish Leith Dunbar c. take all their Ships and Ammunition returning to Berwick with the loss only of 14 men Two things he was eminent for 1. His Advice that not the least Punctilio of the Law should be neglected Whereupon the Earl of Surrey and other Nobility were imprisoned for eating Flesh in Lent A secret and unobserved contempt of the Law is a close undermining of Authority which must be either its self in indulging nothing or be nothing in allowing all Liberty knows no restraint no limit when winked at 2. For his Popularity in advancing the Benevolence 52000 l. beyond expectation The Scots must have War as long as there is Poverty in their Country and interest in France This Noble Earl cutteth off the Invaders layeth wast the Country and that the source of those troubles might be dammed up entreth France with 80000 men and afer some skirmishes brought the King thereof to a peace and submission In pursuance whereof while King Henry was in Bologn he made his Will wherein the Earl of Hertford Lord High Chamberlain is appointed Principal Counsellour to his Nephew and not long after he dyeth and leaves the Kingdome to his son and his Son to his Uncle whom the common Vote made Protector and interest a Moderator of the Council which the time required able but their humours made fâ—ctious The peace with King Francis and the Emperour was but uncertain the Scots weâ—e irreconciâ—eable the Pope implacable Religion unsettled the Clergy out of frame the People distâ—acted and the Nobility at variance A great Counsellour King Henry leaves his Son and a greater his Uncle makes him in Counsel is stability Things will have their first or second agitation If they be not tossed upon the Arguments of Counsel they will be tossed upon the Waves of Fortune But yet this Lord miscarried in that the Council understood him better than he did them And he advised with them rather in publick where men speak warily and in compliance with otheâ—s humour than in private where they deliver themselves more freely and agreeable to their own humours The Rule is Ask an inferiour mans advice in private that he may be â—ree and a superiours in publick that he may be respectful But he did well 1. In that the same matter if weighed was never propounded and resolved the same day 2. In that he hâ—d fixed dayes of petitions for the peoples and his own ease 3. In that he poyzed his Committees of contrary inclinations that watched and balanced each other to a moderation most safe for the Kingdome and himself 4. That he had of all Professions such at his command as opened the state of a business before any Commissioners debated it 5. That he seldome discovered his own inlination lest it byasâ—ed his Counsel 6. That to prevent a Combination in the Council he weakned their power and priâ—iledges â—heir credit their dependencies either by office or expectation their opportunities and correspondencies so that he could easily remove any when faulâ—y discover any when dangerous disgrace any when bold and not fit to be entrusted with the Counsels Resolves Deliberations and Necessities of the State In order to which he had two useful Resolutions 1. To suppress Calumnies 2. To encourage Accusations His first Acts were Shew and Pomp necessary for Greatnessâ— viz. The Knighting of the King and making himself Duke His next are Realities as 1. His modeâ—ling the Country for a Parliament considering the temper of the people and the pulse of the last Parliament redressing Grievances settling Elections by such Legal Rules as that the people should not be corrupted with money overborn by importunity transported by fear or favour to an unworthy or an unsuitable choice and taking a just time to prepare the people for the designed settlement by his grave and sober Injunctions by godly and good Books of Instructions by a wholsome form of Prayer composed at Windsor by a more exact translation of the Bible by several Proclamations for moderation and order on all hands by inhibiting all Preachers but such learned sober grave and discreet men as were Licensed thereunto under the Lord Protector 's and my Lord of Canterbury's hand 2. His promoting the Match with Scotland first by Ambassadours and then by an Army whose order was this viz. The Avant-guard of 3 or 4000 foot-men at Arms and 600 light-horse led by the Earl of Warwick
Property and protect their People in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry and the benefit of those Laws to which themselves have consented He sets himself good Rules as well to create good presidents as to â—ollow them reducing things to their first institution and observing wherein and how they have degenerated yet still taking counsel of both times of the ancienter time what is best and of the latter what is fittest He made his course regular that Men might know what to expect but not peremptory that Knaves might not know how to impose upon him always expressing himself well when he digressed from his Rule Preserve the right of his place he would but not stir Questions of Jurisdictions rather assuming his right in silence and de facto then voice it with claims and challenges He directed in most Affairs but was busie in none none readier to give none readier to take helps and advices His speech was more discreet than eloquent rather particularly suitable to the present things and persons than generally orderly and artificial He could speak quick and deep too never using many circumstances lest he were tedious ever some lest he were blunt so warily did he deliver what he knew that he was sometimes thought to know what he did not He knew what might be said so good his fancy and he knew what shoâ—ld be thought so great his judgment commanding the discourse where-ever he was by that prudence that could bring it on and off and that variety that happily intermingled Arguments with Tales Reasons with Opinions and earnest with jest His Decrees were the Hedges of Propriety his Dispatches cool his Cases rightly stated his Reports favour of Integrâ—ty and Prudence of Books and Men. How discreeâ—ly would he moderate the rigorous circumstances of petty and poenal Laws how exactly observe the design and drift of the more fundamental and reasonable Here no Intrigues to perplex no Attendance to tire no Hazards to discourage no Checks or Delays to vex no surreptitious advantages to surprize no defeats of hopes or falseness of friends to disappoint no negligence of Agents or interest of parties to betray no Oratory or Sophism to varnish or hide a matter all things clear as Justice and smooth as Integrity By diligence and moderation with their gentle degrees and augmentations and his own watchful observance he climbed to Excellency A man is neither good nor rich nor wise at once it being a double work to be great 1. To remove Obstruction and accommodate Adversaries 2. To watch and assume the advantage What is longest in proving is longest declining the Rose that buds one day withereth the neâ—â— The Oak that is an Age a growing is five stancâ—â—â—â— He had those lower Virtues that drew praise from the Vulgar which he neglected knowing that they were more taken with appearances than realities he had middle that they admired and good Men observed he had his highest Virtues which they perceived and great Men honoured In a word a fragrant fume he had that filled all round about and would not easily away Although he despised the Flatterers praise as base and avoided the Cunnings as dangerous yet he would say of a deserved Fame That being nothing or but ayr at best it doth all for it 's sufficient to breed Opinion and Opinion brings on substance He observed of himself that he came very hardly to little Riches and very easily to great Riches For when a Man's stock is come to that as my Lord Verulam observes that he can expect the prime of the Markets and overcome those Bargains which for their greatness are few Mens Money and be Partners in the Industries of younger men he cannot but mainly increase with those two Advancers of Gain 1. Diligence and 2. A good Name He hath left these two Principles behind him for those of his own professionâ— 1. That they should reduce every Statute to the Common Law and Custome whereon it is grounded 2. That they should as well look into the History of former times â—or the Reasons and Circumstances of our Laws as into their Law-books for the matter of them Some Lawyers assert the Subjects Liberty and retrench the Prerogative as too much power to be trusted for a mortal Man within the known Limits of Law that so Subjects may be at a certainty How to square their Loyalty and Obedience He always upheld that Prerogative saying That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Common-wealâ—h must be trusted against all Emergencies with the management of its own might Concluding always thus Submission is our Duty and Confidence our Prudence Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time Eo tempore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem coram Deo dare quam Episcopatum coram hominibus exercere Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time In quae reservamur tempora dct Deus nt Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam His Book containeth two parts One of The Pleas of the Crown the other of The Kings Prerogative In him saith Mr. Fulbeck there is force and weight and no common kind of stile in matter very few have gone beyond him in method none have overtaken him in the order of his writing he is smooth yet sharp pleasant yet grave and surely his method may be a Law to the Writers that succeed him Heavy saith he is the weight of innocent blood consider we either the inward fears attending the guilt of it or the outward providence of God watching for the discovery of it one that was before him having apprehended a Fishes head in the Platter for the head of him whom he had murthered and another after a horrid murther being observed to have his Hand continually upon his Dagger Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law that he was preferred secondary Judge of the Common Pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas-Term the Nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Term of two years to his great commendation He left one Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Montague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey Mother to the truly honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey and Lord great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth This was he who was called the Plodding Student whose industry perfected Nature and was perfected by experience He read not to argue only for that is vanity nor to believe and trust for that is easiness nor to discourse for that is idle but to weigh and consider for that is prudence He had his Studies for pleasure and privacy for
by her But Cordel was too Popular to be neglected and too honest to be corrupted Useful Parts will finde Preferment even when the Dissenting Judgement findes not Favouâ— The Speaker of the unhappily healing Parliamâ—nt was made Master of the Rolls in Queen Maries days and of a more happily healing one was made so in Charles the Second's Reign The one was of that Primitive Faith that was before the Modern names of Papists and Protestants the other of a Moderation that was elder than the new Heats of Disciplinarians and Anti-Disciplinarians The miscarriages of Authority are chiefly sixâ— 1. Delay 2. Faction 3. Roughness 4. Corruption 5. Ambition And 6. Private Designs No delay hindred where set times of hearing were observed access was easie the order and method of business uninterrupted No corruption where there durst be no suspicion of it insomuch as that it was heinous to offer a Bribe to him as to take it in another Here was severity that awed men to a discontent but no austerity that sowred them to discontent all was smooth and grave pleasing and becoming yet nothing easiâ— or soft it being worse to yield to importunities that are dayly than to be bought with money which comes but seldom Vâ—rtue in Ambition is violent but in Authority as here it was calm and settled He â—ided with no Faction in his rise but balanced himself by all He had no design when he lived but to be spent in the Publick Service and none when he dyed but to spend himself in publick charity a charity that is at once the continued blessing and grace of that worshipful Family Cato Major would saâ— That wise men learn more of fools than fools do of wise men And King Charles the first would say That it was wisdom in fools to jest with wise men but madness for wisemen to iest with fools And Sir william Cordel bequeathed us this Oâ—servation There is no man that talks but I may gain by him and none that holds his toâ—gue but I may lose by him Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Cooke SIr Anthony Cooke greâ—t Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Mayor of London was born at Giddy-Hall in Essex where he finished a fair House begun by his great Grandfather as appeareth by this Inscription on the Frontispiece thereof AEdibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus He was one of the Governors to King Edward the â—ixth when Prince and is charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir antiqua â—erenitate He observeth him also to be happy in his Daughters learned above their Sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred married unto William Cecil Lord Treasurer of England 2. Anne married unto Nicholas Bacon L. Chancellour of England 3. Katherine married unto Henry Killigrew K t 4. Elizabeth married unto Thomas Hobby K t 5. 〈◊〉 married unto Ralph Rowlet K t Sir Anthony Cooke dyed in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair Estate unto his Son in whose name it continued till our time Gravity was the Ballast of his Soul and General Learning its Leading In him met the three things that set up a Family 1. An Estate honestly gotten in the City 2. An Education well managed in the University And 3. Honor well bestowed at Court Yet he was some-body in every Art and eminent in all the whole circle of Arts lodging in his soul. His Latine fluent and proper his Greek critical and exact his Philology and Observations upon each of these Languages deep curious various and pertinent His Logick rational his History and Experience general his Rhetorick and Poetry copious and genuine his Mathematicks practicable and useful Knowing that souls were equal and that Women are as capable of learning as Men he instilled that to his Daughters at night which he had taught the Prince in the day being resolved to have Sons by Education for fear he should have none by birch and lest he wanted am â—eir of his body he made five of his mind for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of affection and of Estate His Childrens maintenance was always according to their quality and their employment according to their disposition neither allowing them to live above their fortunes nor forcing them against their natures It is the happiness of Forreigners that their Vocations are suited to their Natures and that their Education seconds their Inclination and both byass and ground do wonders Iâ—s the unhappiness of Englishmen that they are bred rather according to their Estates than their temper and Great Parts have been lost while their Calling drew one way and their Genius another and they sadly say Multum incola fuere animae nostrae We have dwelt from home Force makes Nature more violent in the return Doctrine and Discourse may make it less importune Custom may hide or suppress it nothing can extinguish it Nature even in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or Herbs careful was this good Father therefore seasonably to water the one and destroy the other Much was done by his grave Rules more by his graver life that Map of Precepts Precepts teach but Examples draw Maxima debetur pueris reverentia was Cato's Maxime Three things there are before whom was Sir Anthony's saying I cannot do amissâ— 1. My Prince 2. My Conscience 3. My Children Seneca told his Sister That though he could not leave her a great portion he would leave her a good pattern Sir Anthony would write to his Daughter Mildred My example is your inheritance and my life is your portion His first care was to embue their tender souls with a knowing serious and sober Religion which went with them to their graves His next business was to inure their youngâ—r years to submission modesty and obedience and to let their instructions grow with their years Their Book and Pen was their Recreation the Mâ—sick and Dancing School the Court and City their accomplishment the Needle in the Closet and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitchings their business They were reproved but with reason that convinced and checked that wrought aswell an ingenious shame as an unfeigned sorrow and a dutiful fear Fondness never loved his Children aâ—d Passion never chastised them but all was managed with that prudence and discretion that my Lord Seymor standing by one day when this Gentleman chiâ— his Son said Some men govern Families with more skill than others do Kingdoms and thereupon commended hiâ— to the Government of his Nephew Edward the sixth Such the Mâ—jâ—stie of his looks and gate that Aâ—â— governed such the reason and sweetness that love obliged all his Family a Family equally afraid to displease so good a Head and to offend so great In their marriage they were guided by his Reason more than his Will and rather directed by his Counsel than led by his Authority They were their own portion Parts Beauty and Breeding bestow themselves His care was that his Daughters might have compleat
leave from the Pope and so would disparage theâ—r Cause yet they could not say but they might dispute for the Queen and so satisfie the People and is one of the â—ive Councellours to whom the Dâ—signe of the Reformation is opened and one of the eight to whom the management of it was intrusted There you might see him a Leading man among the States-men here most eminent among Divines at once the most knowing and pious man of that Age. As his Industry was taken up with the establishment of our Affairs at home so his Watchfulness upon Sir Edward Carnees deposition of his Embassie was intent upon the plot of France and Rome abroad in the first of which places he made a Secretary his own and in the second a Cup-bearer At the Treaty of Cambray my Lord Howard of Effingham the Lord Chamberlain and he brought the King of Spain to the English side in the business of Calice 1. That France might be weakened 2. That his Netherlands might be secured 3. That the Queen his Sweet-heart might be obliged until he discovered Queen Elizabeths averseness to the marriage whereupon had it not been for the Viscount Mountacute who was not so much a Papist as to forget that he was an â—nglish-man and Sir Thomas the Spaniard had stoln over Catharine Grey Queen Elizabeths Neece for a pretence to the Crown as the French had the Queen of Scots her Cozen. After which he and Sir William Cecil advised her Majesty to that private Treaty apart without the Spaniard which was concluded 1559â— as much to the honour of England now no longer to truckle under Spain as its interest no longer in danger from France Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was the metal in these Treaties and Sir Thomas Smith the Allay the ones mildness being to mitigate that animosity which the others harshness had begot and the others spirit to recover those advantages which this mans easiness had yielded Yet he shewed himself as much a man in demanding as Sir William Cheyney in gaining Calice replying smartly upon Chancellour Hospitals Discourse of ancient Right the late Treaty and upon Montmorency's Harangue of Fears Conscience Pitying the neglected state of Ireland he obtained a Colony to be planted under his base Son in the East-Coast of Vlster called Ardes at once to civilize and secure that place So eminent was this Gentleman for his Learning that he was at once Steward of the Stannaries Dean of Carlisle and Provost of Eaton in King Edward's time and had a Pensâ—on on condition he went not beyond Sea so considerable he was in Queen Mary's Well he deserved of the Commonwealth of Learning by his Books 1. Of the commonwealth of England 2. Of the Orthography of the English Tongue and oâ— the Pronunciation of Greek and 3. an exact Commentary of matters saith Mr. Cambden worthy to be published Observations on the Lives of Doctor Dale the Lord North Sir Thomas Randolph I Put these Gentlemen together in my Observations because I finde them so in their Employments the one Agent the other Leiger and the third extraordinary Embassador in France the first was to manage our Intelligence in those dark times the second to urge our Interest in those troublesome days and the third to represent our Grandeur No man understood the French correspondence with the Scots better than Sir Thomas Randolph who spent his active life between those Kingdomes none knew better our Concerns in France and Spain than Valentine Dale who had now seen six Treaties in the first three whereof he had been Secretary and in the last a Commissioner None fitter to represent our state than my Lord North who had bâ—en two years in Walsinghams house four in Lâ—â—cesters â—eâ—vâ—ce had seen six Courts twenty Batâ—les nine Treaties and four solemn Justs whereof he was no mean part as a reserved man a valiant Souldier and a Courtly Person So â—ly waâ— Dale that he had a servant always attending the Qâ—een-mother of France the Queen of Scots and the King of Navarre so watchâ—ul Sir Thomas Randolph that the same day he sent our Agent in Scotland notice of a dâ—signe to carry over the young King and depose the Regent he advised our Queen of a match between the King of Scot's Uncle and the Countess of Shrewsbury's Daughter and gave the Earl of Huntington then President of the North tâ—ose secret instructions touching that matter that as my Lord Burleigh would often acknowledge secured that Coast. My L. North watched the successes of France Dr. Dale their Leagues and both took care that the Pâ—ince of Orange did not throw himself upon the Protection of France always a dangerous Neighbour but with that accession a dreadful one Sir Iohn Horsey in Holland proposed much but did nothing Sir Thomas Randolph in France performed much and said nothing yet both with Dr. Dales assistance made France and Spain the scales in the balance of Europe and England the tongue or holder of the balance while they held the Spaniard in play in the Netherlands watched the French Borders and kept constant Agents with Orange and Don Iohn Neither was Sir Thomas â—ess in Scotland than in France where he betakes himself first to resolution in his Protestation and then to cunning in his Negotiations encouraging Mâ—rton on the one hand and amusing Lenox on the other â—eeping fair weather with the young King and yet practising with Marre and Anguse Nothing plausible indeed saith Cambden was he with the wiâ—e though youthful King Iames yet very dexterous in Scotish humours and very prudent in the northern Affairs very well seen in those interests and as successful in those negotiations witness the first and advantageous League 1586. Video rideo is Gods Motto upon Affronts Video Taceo was Queen Elizabeths Video nec vident was Sir Thomas Randolphs These three men treated with the Spaniard near Ostend for peace while the Spaniard prepared himself on our Coast for Waâ— So much did Sir Iames Crofts his affection for peace exceed his judgement of his Instruction that he would needs steal over to Brussels to make it with no less commendation for the prudent Articles he proposed tâ—aâ— censure for the hazard he incurred in the Proposal So equal and even did old Dale carry himself that the Duke of Parma saw in his Answers is the English spirit and therefore saith my Author durst not try that Valour in a nation which he was so afraid of in a single person That he had no more to say to the old Gentleman than onelâ— thiâ— These things are in the hand of the Almighty None moâ—e inward with other men than Sir Francis Walsingham none more inward with him than Sir Thomas Randolph well studied he was in Iustinians Code better in Machiavels Discourses both when a â—earned student of Christ-church and a worthy Pâ—incipal of Broadgates three therefore was he an Embassadour to the Lords of Scotland in a commotion thrice to Queen Mary
decency lasting for stâ—eâ—gth was his Maxime and Pâ—actice who kept a State in decent plainness insomuch that Queâ—n Elizabeth called him her Good-man-Judge In Davison's Case Mildmay cleared the man of malice but taxed him with unskilfulness and rashness Lumley said he was an ingenious and an honest man but presumptuous I will ever esteem him an honest and good man said Grey The Archbishop of Canterbury approved the fact commended the man but disallowed of the manner and form of his proceedings Manwood made a narrative of the Queen of Scots proceedings confirmed the sentence against her extolled the Queens clemency pitied Davison and fined him 10000 l. A man he was of a pale constitution but a clear even and smooth temper of a pretty solid consistence equally sanguine and flegmatique of a quiet soul and serene affections of a discreet sweetness and moderate manners slow in passion and quick enough in apprehension wary in new points and very fixed and judicious in the old A plausible insinuating and fortunate man the Idea of a wise man having what that elegant Educator wisheth that great habit which is nothing else but a promptness and plentifulness in the store-house of the mind of clear imaginations well-fixed which was promised in his erect and forward stature his large breast his round and capacious forehead his curious and obâ—erving eye the clear and smart argument of his clearer and quicker soul which owed a liveliness equally far from volatileness and stupidity his steady attention and his solid memory together with what is most considerable a grand Inclination to imitate and excel What Plutarch saith of Timoleon with reference to Epaminond that we may say of thâ—s gentleman That his Life and Actions are like Homer's Verses smooth and flowing equal and happy especially in the two grand Embelishâ—ents of our Nature Friendship and Charity 1. Friendship that sacred thing whereof he was a passionate Lover and an exact Observer promoting it among all men he conserved with Surely there is not that Content on Earth like the Union of minds and Interests whereby we enjoy our selves by reflexion in our Friend it being the most dreadful Solitude and Wildness of Nature to be friendless But his Friendship was a contracted beam to that Sâ—n of Charity that blessed all about him His Salary was not more fixed than his Charity He and the poor had one Revenue one Quarter-day Instead of hiding his face from the poor it was his practice to seek for them laying out by Trustees for Pensioners either hopeful or indigent whereof he had a Catalogue that made the bâ—st Comment upon that Text The liberal man deviseth liberal things This is the best Conveyance that ever Lawyer made To have and to hold to him and his Heirs for ever Observations on the Life of Sir Christopher Wray SIr Christopher Wray was born in the spacious Parish of Bedal the main motive which made his Daughter Francis Countess of Warwick scatter her Benefactions the thicker in that place He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and such his proficiency therein that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Termâ— he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. He was not like that Iudge who feared neither God nor man but onely one Widow left her importunity should weary him but heartily feared God in his religious Conversation Each man he respected with his due distance off of the Bâ—nch and no man on it to byass his Judgement He was pro tempore Lord Privv Seal and sat Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners concurred to Fine him but with this comfortable conclusion That as it was in the Queens Power to have him punished soâ— Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or râ—mitting of the Fine and this our Jâ—dge may be presumed no ill Instrument in the procuring thereof He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-Colledgâ— in Cambridge which Iâ—fant-foundation had otherwise been starved at Nurse for want of maintenance We know who saith The righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children and the well-thriving of his third Generation may be an evidence of his well-gotten Goods This worthy Judge died May the eighth in the thirty fourth of Qâ—een Elizabeth When Judge Mounson and Mr. Dalton urged in Stubs his Case that Writ against Queen Elizabeth's marriage with the Dâ—ke of Anjon That the Act of Philip and Mary against the Authors and sowers of seditious Writings was mistimed and that it died with Qâ—een Mary my Lord Chief Justice Wray upon whom the Queen relied in that case shewed there was no mistaking in the noting of the time and proved by the words of thâ— Act that the Act was made against those which should violate the King by seditious writingâ— and that the King of England never dieth yea that that Act was renewed anno primo Eliz. during the life of her and the heirs of her body Five Particulars I have heard old men say he was choice in 1. His Friend which was always wise and equal 2. His Wife 3. His Book 4. His Secret 5. His Expression and Garb. By four things he would say an Estate was kept 1. By understanding it 2. By spending not until it comes 3. By keeping old servants 4. By a Quarterly Audit The properties of Infancy is Innocence oâ— Childhood Reverence of Manhood Maturity and of Old Age Wisdome Wisdome that in this grave person acted all its brave parts i. e. was mindful of what is pâ—st observant of things prâ—sent and provident for things to come No better instance whereof need be alledged than his pathetick Discourâ—es in the behalf of those two great Stays of this Kingdome Husbandry and Merchandize for he had a clear discerning Judgement and that not onely in points oâ— Law which yet his Arguments and Decisions in that profession manifest without dispute but in matters of Policy and Government wherein his Guess was usually as near Prophecy as any mans as also in the little mysteries of private manage by which upon occasion he hath unravelâ—ed the studied cheats and intrigues of the Closet-men to which when you adde his happy faculty of communicating himself by a free and graceful elocution to charm and command his Audience assisted by the attractive dignity of his presence you will not admire that he managed his Justiceship with so much satisfaction to the Court and that he left it with so much applause from the Country for these two Peculiarities he had That none was more tender to the Poor or more civil in pâ—ivate and yeâ— none more stern to the Rich I mean Justices of Peace Officers c. or more sâ—vere in publick He desighted indeed to be loved not reverenced yet knew he very well how to assert the Dignity of his place and function from the Approaches of Contempt Observations on the Life of the Earl of Worcester THe
him that anno 1580 that Kingdome was delivered to my Lord Gray after his one years Government in a better condition than it had been for threescore years before the Populacy being encouraged the Nobility trusted Fâ—â—ds laid down Revenue setled the Sea-towns secured the Sâ—ulâ—iery disciplined and the Magizines furnished Whence he returned to overlook others setling England against the Spaniards as he had done Ireland himself being an active Commiâ—â—oner in England in 88 and an eminent Agent in Scotland in 89. Observations on the Life of Sir William Waad A Scholar himself and a Patron to such that were so being never well but when employing the Industrious pensioning the Hopeful and preferring the Deserving To his Directions we owe Riders Dictionary to his Encouragement Hooker's Policy to his Charge Gruter's Inscriptions As none more knowing so none more civil No man more grave in his Life and Manners no man more pleasant in his Carriage and Complexion yet no man more resolved in his Business for being sent by Queen Elizabeth to Philip King of Spain he would not be turned over to the Spanish Privy-Council whose greatest Grandees are Dwarfs in honour to his Mistress but would either have audience of the King himself or return without it though none knew better how and when to make his close and underhand Addresses to such potent Favourites as strike the stroke in the State it often happening in a Commonwealth saith my Author that the Masters Mate steers the Ship better than the Master himself A man of a constant toyl and industry busie and quick equally an enemy to the idle and slow undertakings judging it a great weakness to stand staring in the face of business in that time which might serve to do it In his own practice he never considered longer than till he could discern whether the thing proposed was fit or not when that was seen he immediately set to work when he had finished one business he could not endure to have his thoughts lie fallow but was presently consulting what next to undertake Two things this Gentleman professed kept him up to that eminence 1. Fame that great inciâ—ement to Excellency 2. A Friend whom he had not onely to observe those grossnesses which Enemies might take notice of but to discover his prudential failings indecencies and even suspitious and barely doubtful passages Friendship saith my Lord Bacon easeth the heart and cleareth the understanding making clear day in both partly by giving the purest councel apart from our interest and prepossessions and partly by allowing opportunity to discourse and by that discourse to clear the mind to recollect the thoughts to see how they look in words whereby men attain that highest wisdome which Dionysius the Areopagite saith is the Daughter of Reflexion Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Sidney SIr Henry Sidney eminent for his son Sir Philip and famous for his own Actions was born well and bred better His Learning was equal to his Carriage his Carriage to his Good Nature his Good Nature to his Prudence his Prudence to his Resolution A little he learned at School more at the University most at Court His Reading was assiduous his Converse exact his Oâ—servations close His Reason was strong and his Discourse flowing Much he owed to his Studiousness at home more to his Experience abroad where Travel enlarged and consolidated his Soul His own Worth fitted him for Advancement and his Alliance to my Lord of Leicester raised him to it Merit must capacitate a man for Interest and Interest must set up merit His person and his Ancestry invested him Knight of the Garter his Moderation and Wisdome President of Wales His Resolution and Model of Government made him Lord Deputy of Ireland a people whom he first studied and then ruled being first master of their humour and then of their Government Four things he said would reduce that Country A Navy well furnished to cut off their correspondence with Spain An Army well paid to keep up Garrisons Laws well executed to alter their Constitutions and Tenures A Ministry well setled to civilize and instruct them and an unwearied Industry to go through all Nine things he did there to eternize his Memory 1. Connaught He divided to six Shires 2. Captainships something answering to Knighthood here He abolished 3. A Surrendry of all Irish Holdings He contrived and the Irish Estates He setled on English Tâ—nures and Services 4. That the ablest five of each Sept should undertake for all their Relations He ordered 5. One Free-School at least in every Diocess He maintained 6. Two Presidents Courts in Munster and Connaught He erected 7. Their Customes He reduced to the Civility and their Exchequer to the Exactness of England 8. Their Purveyance He turned to Composition 9. Their Statutes He printed and a constant correspondence He kept especially with the English Embassadour in Spain and King Iames in Scotland Fitzâ—Williams was mild Essex heady Perrot stout but this Lieutenant or Deputy was a stayed and resolved man that Royally heard ill and did well that bore up against the clamours of the people with the peace of his conscience His Interest he had devoted to his Soveraignâ— and his Estate to the publick saying as Cato That he had the least share of himself From the Irish he took nothing but a Liberty to undo themselves from Court he desired nothing but service from Wales he had nothing but a Good Name Iâ—'s observed of him that He had open Vertues for Honour and private ones for Success which he said was the daughter of reservedness there being not saith my Lord Vâ—rulam two more fortunate properties than to have a little of the fool and not too much of the honest man The Crown was obliged by his services the Nobility engaged to him by Alliances the People enamoured with his Integrity and himself satisfied with a good Conscience Much good counsel he gave at Court more at home in Shropshire where his Dexterity in composing the private Quarrels of the Country was as eminent as his Prudence in setling the Affairs of Ireland He had that Majesty in his Countenance that he awed and Affability in his Speech that he obliged the Country His Counsel would be smart and solid his Reproof grave and affectionate his Jests quick and taking doing more with a quick Droll towards the peace of the Country than others did with longer Harangues Secretary Bourns Son kept a Gentlemans Wife in Shropshire when he was weary of her he caused her Husband to be dealt with to take her home and offered him 500 l. for reparation The Gentleman went to Sir Henry Sidney to take his advice telling him That his Wife promised now a new life and to say the truth five hundred pounds would be very seasonable at that time By my troth said Sir Henry take her home and the Money then whereas other Cuckolds wear their Horns plain you may wear yours gilt His great word after a
cunning and hated all concealments and pretensions which he had sagicity enough to discover and look through but a spirit too generous to practise it none being more able for yet none more averse to that ciâ—cuâ—locution and contrivance wherewith some men shadow their mâ—in drift and purpose Speech was made to open man to man and not to hide him to promote Commerce and not betray it HOw happy is he born and taught That serveth not anothers will Whose Armour is his honest thought And simple truth his utmost skill Whose passions not his Masters are Whose soul is still prepar'd for death Vntide unto the world by care Of Publick fame or private breath Who envies none that chance doth raise Nor vice hath ever understood How deepest wounds are given by praise Nor Rules of State but Rules of Good Who hath his life from rumours freed Whose conscience is his strong retreatâ— Whose state can neither flatterers feed Nor râ—ine make Oppressors great Who God doth late and early pray More of his grace than gifts to lend And entertains the harmles day With a religious book or friend This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise or fear to fall Lord of himself though not of lands And having nothing yet hath all Observations on the Life of Sir John Packington SIr Iohn Packington was a person of no mean Family and of form and feature no way despiseable for he was a brave Gentleman and a very fine courtier and for the time which he stayed there was very high in the Queens grace but he came in and went out and through disassiduity lost the advantage of her favour and death drawing a vail over him utterly deprived him of recovery Had he broughtless to the Court than he did he might have carried away more than he brought for he had a time for it but he was an ill husband of opportunity His handsome features took the most and his neat parts the wisest at Court He could smile Ladies to his service and argue States-men to his designe with equal ease His reason was powerful his beauty more Never was a brave soul more bravely seated Nature bestowed great parts on him education polished him to an admirable frame of prudence and vertue Queen Eliâ—abeth called him Her Tâ—mperance and Leicester His Modesty It is a question to this day whether his resolution took the Souldiers his prudence the Politicians his complyance the Favourites his complaisance the Courtiers his piety the Clergy his integrity and condescention the People or his knowledge the learned most This new Court-star was a nine-days wonder engaging all eyes until it set satisfied with its own glory He came to Court he said as Sâ—lomon did to see its vanity and retired as he did to repent it It was he who said first what Bishop Sanderson urged afterwards That a sound Faith was the best Divinity a good Conscience the best Law and Temperance the best Physick Sir Iohn Packington in Queen Elizabeths time was vertuous and modest and Sir Iohn Packington in King Charles his time loyal and valiant the one did well the other suffered so Greenham was his Favourite Hammon his the one had a competant estate and was contented the other hath a large one and is noble this suppresseth Factions in the kingdome the other composed them in the Court and was called by Courtiers Moderation Westmerland tempted his fidelity and Norfolk his stedfastness but he died in his bed an honest and an happy man wâ—ile one of them goes off tainted on the Sâ—rffold and the other dies a beggâ—r in Flanders Observations on the Lives of the Norrises and Knowles MY Lord Norris had by his Lady an ample Issue which the Queen highly respected for he had six sons all martial brave men of haughty courage and of great experience in the conduct of military affairs Greater was not the Faction between Leicester and Sussex at court than that between the Knowles and the Norrises in the Country both Families of Oxfordshire the one resolute at Greys the other valiant at Rycote the former got great estates at home the latter attained to great honour abroad The Knowles were beloved by the Queen for their own sakes the Norrises for theirs and her own sake the Knowles were of the same blood with her Majesty the Norrises spent theirs for her 1. My Lord Norris died at Court an honest man 2. Sir Francis at Bulloign a good Souldier 3. Sir William at Berwick a brave Governour 4. Sir Thomas at Munster a wise President 5. Sir Maximilian at Bretaign an expert Engineer 6. Maximilian at Groen a renowned Heroe 7. Sir Iohn was a most accomplished General no less eminent for his safe retreats than for his resolute onsets France hath recorded this testimony of him That he brought on his men so warily as one that could bring them off and England this That he brought them off so resolutely as one that durst bring them on His fortune often overthrew his enemy and his wisdome oftner saved his friends His conduct was famous and his Discipline exact His Actions are Presidents and his Orders Laws of War to this day He was bred under Castilion and out-did him Ireland was always possessed but never conquered till Norris came who could lie on the coldest earth swim the deepest Rivers force the straightest Passes find out the most secret corners and tread the softest Bog who could endure any thing but an affront and a Superiour the first whereof upon a repulse at Court saddened his heart as the second upon another Deputies being sent over him broke it Unsuccessful he was with Don Antonio in Spain because he understood not the Country In the Low-Countries he gained experience first and then victory in Ireland he had Connaught for his Grave Mount Norris his Monument and the Letter of Queen Elizabeth to his Mother his Epitapâ— As the first eminent Norris suffered for Anne Bullen the Qu. Mother so the first eminent Knowles suffered with Protestantism her Religion Norris could not rise though he deserved his honour because of Leicester that favoured his Brother Knowles and Essex that envyed him neither could Knowles advance because of Sussex that feared and Cecil that suspected him The Knowles were deserving but modest favoured but humble powerful but quiet rather firm at Court than high allied to the Queen and faithful to the Crown Queen Elizabeth advanced Sir Francis to the Vicechamberlainship treasurership of the houshold Captainship of the Guard and the order of the Garter because she said He was an honest man and King Iames and King Charles raised his Son Sir William to the Earldome of Bambury because he was a serviceable man Honestly faithful was that family to their Mistress that was and providently so were they to their Master that should be Handsome men they were when attending at Court and valiant when called to the Camp Norrises 1. The Norrises are employed in Embassies of War wherein they were
pleasure to those that looked on it than the other did service to those that employed it His meen deserving preferment from the favour of a Soveraign and his parts gaining it from his justice Fortune did him not so much wrong in his mean Birth as he did himself right by great merit so worthy a Prince's service and a Courts favour He read and saw what others did but not with others apprehensions his judgment of things being not common nor his observations low flat or vulgar but such as became a breast now furnishing it self for business and for government There was an ancient custom to celebrate the Anniversary of the King's Coronation with all the Shews of Magnificence and joy which the Art or Affections of the People could invent and because we are esteemed the Warlik'st Nation in the whole world to continue that just regulation we declined all those effeminacies which are so predominant in other Courts and absolutely addicted our selves to such Martial exercises as are nothing less pleasing and delightful than the other and yet fit and prepare men more for the real use of Arms and acquisition of glory Here our Knights praise came to my Lord of Carlisle's notice who first designed him a Commander but finding his Genius more courtly than Martial more learned than active recommended him to his Majesties softer services where none more obliging to the People by his industry and interest at Court none more serviceable to his Majesty by the good name he gained in the Countrey So careful was he of publick content that from five to nine his Chamber was open to all Comers where you would find him with the one hand making himself ready with the other receiving Letters and in all this hurry of Business giving the most orderly clear and satisfactory dispatches of any Statesman at that time From nine to one he attended his Master to whom he had as easie access as he gave to his People Two things set him up 1. A fair respect from his Master upon all occasions and as fair a treatment of the People He had his distinct Classis of Affairs and his distinct Officers for those Classis The order and method whereof incredibly advanced his dispatch and eased his burden which took up his day so that there remained but some hours he stole from night and sleep for his beloved and dear Studies and King Iames said he was the hardest Student in White-Hall and therefore he did not alwayes trouble his Master with business but sometimes please him with discourse If Fortune had been as kind to him as Nature greater Employments had been at once his honour and his business But from all his services and performances he derived no other advantage than the acting of them and at his death he left no other wealth behind him but that of a high reputation never arriving at those enjoyments that enhance our Cares not having time to withdraw himself from those cares that take away the relish of our enjoyments Observations on the Life of Sir Fulke Grevil SIr Fulk Grevil Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the elder of Becham Court in Warwick-shire descended from VVilloughby Lord Brook and Admiral to Hen. 7. was bred first in the University of Cambridge He came to the Court back'd with a full and fair Estate and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves He was a good Scholar loving much to employ and sometimes to advance learned men to whom worthy Bishop Ovâ—ral chiefly owed his Preferment and Mr. Camâ—den by his own confession feasted largely of his Liberality His studies were most in Poetry and History as his Works do witness His stile conceived by some to be swelling is allowed lofty and full by others King Iames created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby last Lord Brook in the Reign of King Henry the 7th His sad death or murther rather happened on this occasion His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded wounded him mortally and then to save the Law the labour killed himself verifyâ—ng the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of another mans life who contemneth his own He lyeth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble whereon he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Counsellour to King Iames and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney Though a Favourite he courts Ladies rather than Honour and pursued his study rather than his ambition being more contemplative than active Others ministred to Queen Elizabeths government this Gentleman to her Recreation and Pleasures He came to Court when all men should young and stayed there until he was old his fortune being as smooth as his spirit and the Queens favour as lasting as his merit He bred up Statesmen but was none Sir William Pickering was like to have gained the Queens Bed by studying Sir Philip Sidney had her Heart for writing and Sir Fulke Grevil had her favour for both one great argument for his worth was his respect of the worth of others desiring to be known to posterity under no other notions than of Shakespear's and Ben Iohnson's Master Chancellor Egerton's Patron Bishop Overal's Lord and Sir Philip Sidney's Friend His soul had the peace of a great fortune joyned to a greater mind His worth commended him to Majesty his affableness indeared him to the popularity his mornings were devoted to his Books his afternoons to his knowing Friends his nights to his debonair Acquaintance He was the Queens Counsellor for persons as others were for matters and things Sweet was his disposition winning his converse fluent his discourse obliging his looks gestures and expressions publick his spirit and large his soul his Genius prompted him to prepare himself for Domestick services by Forreign employments but the great Mistriss of her Subjects affections and duties forbad it and his own prudence checked it So dear was he to the Queen that when his horses were shipped at Dover for the Netherlands her Mandate by Sir Edward Dier stopped him When he went over with Walsingham he was remanded and when with Leicester he was checked He was the exact image of action and quiet happily united in him seldom well divided in any He would have acted his great principles of Government yet he could be confined only to write them He could sit down with some Poetick and polite Characters of Vertue when he was debarred the real â—â—ercises of it He had kept Essex his head on had not that unhappy man's Parasites made the Earl deaf to his â—â—â—nsels and his Enemies removed him from his pâ—â—â—â—nce under a pretence of guarding the Seas against his Enemies while his Kinsman was betrayed by his Friends Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Cecil SIr Robert Cecil since Earl of Salisbury was the Heir of the Lord Burleigh's prudence the inheritour of his favour and by
tears of Contrition for his Sins to God and thankfulness for this Mercy using mary piâ—us Ejaculations embraced all these Actors in the former Tragedy when the poor fellow also kist the King's hand These circumstances gave occasion then that this whole story was freshly revived to the common Satisfaction of the whole Countrey and our English Courtiers And in especial unto the very reverend Bishop and nobly born Iames Mountague then present to whom the King addressed himself in this Relatiâ—n and from whose Mouth saith the Relator I received these particulars at his return into England And thus much we have by word of mouth somewhat I shall add out of writings for more satisfaction This Treason was attempted the fourth of Augâ—st 1600. And though there followed sundry Susâ—itions and Examinations of several other Persons supposed Abettors and Contrivers yet it lay undiscovered tanquam e post liminio until eight years after by the circumspection principally of the â—arl of Dunbar a man of as great wisdom as those tâ—mes and that Kingdom could boast of upon the â—eâ—son of onâ— Geoâ—ge Sâ—roâ— Notary-publick of Aâ—emouth in Scotland from some words which at first he sparingly or unawares expressed and also by some papers which were found in his house whereof being examin'd with a little ado he confessed and was condemned and executed at Edenburgh the 12th of Aâ—g 1608. A Relation I conceive not common but in my hands to be produced and written by that learned Gentleman William Hart then Lord Iustice of Scoâ—land and Principal in all the Acts of Judicature herein Neither of these Lords professed any skilâ— in Politicks yet neither wanted a strong judgment which they could make good use of in time and place convenient giving testimonies in those Employments they had of a strict secrecy a great moderation and a happy compliance with opportunity Qualities exceedingly well lodged in men of Interest and Command especially in these two who neither too easily closed with others resolutions nor too obstinately adhered to their own one of which was alwayes to suspect men of new words as much as men of new opinions because to flye from proper School terms to vulgar conceptions is a way seldome troden but by false Prophets and Seditious Orators who have done this onely good in the world that from their collition a considerable deal of light hath proceeded towards the clearing of several points in Philosophy and Religion in the speculations whereof the men whose lives are so practical and involved in business are not so distinct being not at leisure to quest at every Lark which men spring in either though otherwise the best qâ—alified for sâ—ch undertakings because men of most judgement and experience and of â—he least passion and prejudice and by so much the less impetuous and censorious by how much the more judicious and discreet and by so much the more value in the Eyes of others by how much the less they are in their own who have this aâ—vantâ—ge in controversies that their Religion is thougâ—t as much better than their Adversaries as their Charity and moderation is greater Observations on the Fall of Sir Tho. Lake A Great Estate this Gentleman had honestly got and a greater esteem being King Iames his right hand and the Scots both hands that with which they begged and that with which they bestowed the instrument of the meaner sorts relief and the greaters bounty until that Malice and Revenge two violent passions over-ruling the Weaker Sex concerning his Wife and daughter involved him in their quarrel the chief and onely cause of his ruine He had by his Wife sons and daughters His eldest married unto the Lord Baron Resse in right of a Grandmother the son of Thomas Earl of Exeter by a foâ—mer venter And upon the credit of Sir Thomas Lake he was sent Embassador Extraordinary into Spain in a very gallant Equipage with some hopes of â—is own to continue Lieger to save charges of transmitting any other In his absence there fell out an extream deadly fewd 't is no matter for what between the Lady Lake and the Countess of Exeter A youthful Widow she had been and vertuous and so became Bedfellow to this aged gowty diseased but noble Earl And that preferment had made her subject to Envy and Malice Home comes the Lord Rosse from his Embassie when being fallen into some neglect of his Wâ—fe and his kindred I conceive upon refusal of an increase of allowance to her settlement of Ioynture which was promised to be compleated at his return not long he stays in England but away he gets into Italy turns a professed Roman Catholick being cozened into that Religion by his publick Confident Gondamore In this his last absence never to return the Mother and Daughter accuse the Countess of former Incontinency with the Lord Râ—sse whilest he was here and that therefore upon his Wives discovery he was fled from hence and from her Marriage-Bed with other devised Calumnies by several designs and contrivements to have poysoned the Mother and Daughter This quarrel was soon blazon'd at Court to the King's ear who as privately as could be singly examines each party The Countess with tears and imprecations professeth her Innocency which to oppose the Mother Lake and her Daughter counterfeit her hand to a whole sheet of Paper wherein they make the Counâ—ess with much contrition to acknoâ—ledge her self guilty crave pardon for attempting to poyson them and desire friendship with them all The King gets sight of this as in favour to them and demands the time place and occasion when this should be writ They tell him that all the parties met in a visit at Wimbleton the house of the Lord of Exeter where in dispute of their differences she confesses her guilt of attempting their poyson And being desirous of absolution and friendship being required thereto consents to set down all Circumstances therein under her own hand which presently she writ at the Window in the upper end of the great Chamber at Wimbleton in presence of the Mother and Daughter the Lord Rosse and one Diego a Spaniard his confiding Servant But now they being gone and at Rome the King forthwith sends Mr. Dendy one of his Serjeants at Armes sometimes a Domestick of the Earl of Exeters an honest and worthy Gentleman post to Rome who speedily returns with Rosse and Diego's hand and other testimonials confirming That all the said Accusation and Confession Suspitions and Papers concerning the Countess were notorious false and scandalous and confirms it by receiving the Hoast in assurance of her Honour and his Innocency The King well satisfied sends to the Countesses Friends and Trustees for her Ioynture and Estate who comparing many of her letters with this Writing do confess it counterfeit Then he tells the Mother and Daughter That this writing being denied by her and their testimonies being parties would not prevail with any belief but any other Additional witness would give it
was as much taken with his witty discourses when a School-boy as with his grave Oracles when her Counsel learned He was a Courtier from his Cradle to his Grave sucking in experience with his milk being inured to policy as early as to his Grammar Royal Maximes were his Sententia Puerilis and he never saw any thing that was not noble and becoming The Queen called him her young Lord Keeper for his grave ingenuity at seven years of age and he could tell her Majesty he was two years younger than her happy Reign At twelve his industry was above the capacity and his mind above the reach of his Contemporaries A prodigy of parts he must be who was begot by wise Sir Nicholas Bacon born of the accomplished Mrs. Anne Cook daughter to Sir Anthony Cook King Edward the 6â—hs Tutor a good Grecian and Latinist and bred at Trinity-Colledge under the wise learned and pious Doctor Whitgift His strong observations at Court his steady course of study in the University must be improved for State-business by a well-contrived Travel abroad where his conversation was so obliging his way so inquisitive his prudence so eminent that he was Sir Amie Paulet's Agent between the Juncto of France and the Queen of England He allayed the solidity of England with the Ayre of France until his own Affairs and the Kingdoms service called him home at his Fathers death to enjoy a younger Brothers estate and act his part Policy was his business the Law was onely his livelyhood yet he was so great a States-man that you would think he only studied men so great a Scholar that you would say he only studied Books Such insight he had in the Law that he was at thirty her Majesties Advocate and extraordinary Counsel such his judgement that he was the Student of Grayes-Inn's Oracle being well seen in the grounds and mysteries of the Law though not experienced in the Cases of the Common Law while he made that profession his accessary and not his principal so generous and affable his disposition that he was aâ—l mens love and wonder He instilled wholsome precepts of Prudence and Honour to Noblemen particularly the Earl of Essex to whom he was more faithful than he to himself Great principles of Arts and Sciences to the learned noble Maximes of government to Princes excellent rules of Life to the Populacy When his great Patron Essex sunk he was buoyed up by his own steadiness and native worth that admitted him to the Qu. own presence not only to deliver matter of Law which was his profession but to debate matters of State which was his element his judgement was so eminent that he could satisfie the greatest his condescenâ—ion so humble that he instructed the meanest his extraordinary parts above the model of the age were feared in Queen Elizabeths time but employed in King Iames's Favour he had in her Reign but Trust only in his It 's dangerous in a factious Age to have my Lord Bacon's parts or my Lord of Essex his favour Exact was his correspondence abroad and at home constant his Letters frequent his Visits great his Obligations moderate and temperate his Inclination peaceable humble and submissive his mind complying and yielding his temper In Queen Elizabeths time when he could not rise by the publick way of service he did it by that more private of Marriage with one Alice Barneham an Alderman's Heiress and other commendable Improvements whereby he shewed a great soul could be rich in spight of Fortune for his Father dying while he was in France before he had purchased an estate he designed for him his youngest Son and Darling he had but a Portion of the money divided among five Brethren whereby he was in streights till Gorambum fell to him by his dearest Brother Mr. Anthony Bacon's death a Gentleman of his parts though not his learning having nothing either of honour or profit from that Queen but a reversion of the Register of the Star-Chambers place worth 1500. a year which he stay'd for 20 years saying that it was like another mans ground buttalling upon his house which might mend his prospect but it did not fill his Barn though it scorned it in point of Honour In the House of Commons none more popular where he was allowed to sit as Member when Atturney which is allowed none in that place none more zealous none so knowing a Patriot In the house of Lords none more sâ—ccessfully serviceable to the Crown the easie way of Subsidies was his design in Queen Elizabeths time the union with Scotland was his contrivance in King Iames's His make and port was stately his speech flowing and grave each word of his falling in its place the issue of great reason when conceived and of great prudence when expressed so great skill he had in observing and contriving of occasions and opportunities in suiting of Humours and hitting of Junctures and Flexures of Affairs that he was in his time the Master of speech and action carrying all before him The Earl of Salisbury saith Sir Walter Rawleigh was a good Orator but a bad Writer the Earl of Northampton was a good Writer but a bad Orator Sir Francis Bacon excelled in both Much he said he owed to his Books more to his innate Principles and Notions When he thought he said he aimed more at Connexion than Variety When he spake he designed rather the life and vigour of expression and perspicuity of words asking often if the meaning were expressed plainly enough than the elegancy or order of phrase His axiome was Words should wait on things rather than things on words and his resolution was That all affected elegance was below the gravity and majesty of a publick discourse He rather judged Books and Men than either read or talked with them His Exercises were man-like and healthful walking and riding his Meditations cohaerent every minute of his time improved his Table temperate and learned where his great Discourses were the entertainment and he himself the treat resolving Cases most satisfactorily it was observed that he would express another manâ— words with great advantage speaking with liberty and respect to all hearers amend much the phrase of it though retaining the substance stating Questions most exactly relating Histories most prudently opening great Secrets most clearly answering Arguments and replying most familiarly and speaking what he had thorowly weighed and considered most effectually All matters and speeches came from him with advantage so acute and ready his wit so faithful his memory so penetrating his judgment so searching his head so large and rational his soul. He drew out of every man he spake with what he was best for My Lord of Salisbury said he had the clearest prospect of things of any man in his age and King Iames by whom he was never reproved in eighteen years said That he knew the method of handling Matters after a mild and gentle manner Not ingaging his Master in any rash
himself namely not to build his Estate upon the ruines of a miserable Nation but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice not to enrich himself but civilize the People But the wise King would no longer loose him out of his own Land and therefore recalled him home about the time when his Fathers Inheritance by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him It was not long before Offices and Honours flowed in fast upon him being made by King Iames 1. Attorney of the Court of Wards 2. Chief-Justice of the Upper Bench the 18 of his Reign Ian. 29. 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22 of his Reign Dec. 22. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire the last of the same month King Charls 1. Earl of Marlborough in Wiltshire immediately after the King's Coronation 2. Lord President of the Council in which place he diedâ— Anno Dom. 1629. He was a person of great Gravity Ability and Integrity And as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebbe nor flow so his mind did not rise or fall but continued the same constancy in all conditions a good temper enough for a Judge but not for a Statesman and foâ— any Statesman but a Lord Treasurer and for any Lord Treasurer but in King CHARLES his active time who was put to it to find out such stirring men as might recover him from the hazard and defection he was fallen into in Purse and Power Observations on the Life of Sir John Cook SIr Iohn Cook younger Brother to Sir Francis Cook born at Trusley in the Hundred of Apple-tree in Derbyâ—shire of ancient and worshipful Parentage and allied to the best Family in that Countrey was bred Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where his wit being designed his Estate he was chosen Rhetorick-Lecturer in the University where he grew eminent for his ingenious and critical reading in that School where Rhetorick seemed to be not so much an Art as his Nature being not only the subject but the very frame of his Discourse Then travelled he beyond the Seas â—or some years when his judgment was fitted for foreign Observations by domestick experience in the company of a Person of quality â— returning thence rich in Languages Remarks and Experience waving all the dangers incident to him for his Religion by a wary Profesâ—ion that he came to learn and not to search being first related to Sir Fulke Grevil Lord Brook who did â—ll mens business but his own â—he was thenceâ— preferred to be Secretary to the Navy their Master of the Requests â—â—od at last Secretary of Stateâ— for twenty years together Being a very zealous Protestant he did all good offices for the advancement of true Religion His Contemporaries character him a grave and a prudent man in gaâ—eâ— apparel and speech one that hâ—d his Intellectâ—â—â—s very perfect in the dispatch of business till he was eighty years old when foreseeing those Intrigues that might be too hard for his years he with his Majesties good leave retired as Moses did â—o â—ie when his eyes were not dim c. having kept himself strictly to the Law of the Land Insomuch that being sent to command Biâ—hop Williams from Westminsterâ— and being asked by the stout Bishop by what authority he commanded a man out of his house and his free-hold he was so tender of the point that he never rested till he had his pardon for it Muâ—iâ—â—â—â—â—o he had to keep the King's favour for his compliance with the Faction witness his third submission and as much ado to retain â—he Factions good opinion for his service to the King wâ—tness his several Apologies in Parliament to this purpose That it was a hard thing that they who should have thanks for the good offices they did the People with the KING had now nothing but censures for the same offices they did the King with his people Never was any man more put to it to reconcilâ— the two readings of that Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which he could never have done but that his old rule safe-guarded him viz. That no man should let what is unjustifiable or dangerous appear under his hand to give Envy a steady aim at his place or person nor mingle Interests with great men made desperate by debts or Court-injuries whose falls hath been ruinous to their wisest followers nor pry any further into secrecy than rather to secure than shew himself nor impart that to a friend that may impower him to be an enemy Besides that his years excused in him that caution some obâ—tinate men want that are broken with vicissâ—udes because they consider not that the forwardest in turmoyls are least regarded when things return to a calm He served the time out of Christian discretion in finding out the seasons of things commendably He complyed out of some infirmity in particular accommodaâ—ions pardonably but neither of ignorance or design iâ— pursuance of his own or any other mans plot unfaithfully Indeed he must have wrenched and sprained his grave soul with the short turningâ— in those dayes if it had been tâ—ue that he should shuffle a Scots Paper instead of the genuine Articles of Pacificatâ—on at York which the Earls of Holland Pembrook c. disavowed to the Northern Commissioners faces my Lord of Pembrook saying That indeed as he took Horse and his Friends being busie about him such a Paper was put into his hand but he opened it not untill he came to his Majesty and his Majesty burned in the face of both Kingdoms whereby they say he was dismissed which I am not willing to believe only I find him hereafter bring Propositions from the Parliament as they called it to the King as actively as formerly he had carried Messages from the King to the Parliament Indeed he had an happy mixture of Disâ—retion and Charity whereby he could allow to things persons more than men of streighter apprehensions or narrower affections were able to do Indeed though as I told you otherwise wary he broke an Affair to a Partizan that kept him under all his days he that entertains a dangerous design puts his head into an halter and the halter into his hand to whom he first imparts it Sir Francis Winâ—ebank and he fell into extreams which balanced might have fupported the Government if they had directed their particular inclinations and indulgences by the measures of the general interest and temper Observations on the Life of the Earl of Danby ALl that I find of this plain Noble-maâ— is wâ—itten on his Tomb-stone at Dantsey in Wilâ—shire Here lyeth the Body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir Iohn Danvers Knight and Dame Eâ—izabeth Daughter and Co-Heir to Nevil Lord Latimâ—â— He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-Countrey Wats under Maurice Eâ—rl of Nassaw afterwards Prince of Orange and in many other Military actions of those â—imes both by Sea and by Land He was made a
by which unsteady carriage He so befooled his Adversarie with their Spies and Pensioners as they were at a loâ—s what to inform their Patrons of or themselves how to resolve Fortune and Conduct set up this Favourite it falling in his Character as at Primero and otheâ— Plays wherein Fortune is directed and conducted by Art The best and subtilest Gamester may lose if it cross him but if it smiles and favours he knoweth best how to manage and govern it Five things raised this person to a respect as great as his fortune to be as high in the Queens favour as he was in his Descenâ— 1. A Civility set off with State 2. A pleasing Modesty of Countenance and Afâ—fability of Speech ennameled with Gravity 3. A Boldness attended with Patience 4. A great Capacity enlivened with as great Dexterity And 5. An Integrity secured with wariness in the darke of which quality both in his Expression and in his Actions he wrapped himself as this sepia to preserve her self undiscovered doth shed forth about her a quantity of blushes in his blood to hide her self from the Fisherman Observations on the Life of the Lord Willoughby THe Lord Willoughby was one of the Queens first Sword-men he was of the antient extract of the Bartâ—es but more ennobled by his Mother who was Dutchess of Suffolk He was a great Master of the Art Military and was sent General into France and commanded the second of five Armies that the Queen sent thither in aid of the French As he was a great Souldier so was he of a sutable Magnanimity and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that timâ— He had more favour than he courted and he courted more rather to comply with the Queens humour than his own inclination than he desired He would say and that saying did him no good saith Sir Robert Naunton That he was none of the Reptilia being made Brother to march as a Souldier than to creep as a Courtier But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier Prudence regulate it in a States-man and modest submission check and soften it in a Subject It s as dangerous to be stubbornly abave the kindness as it is to be factiously against the power of Princes Willoughby got nothing Stanlâ—y lost all his haughtiness which when it cannot be obliged is suspected But his service in France Holland and on the Borders compounded for his roughness so that they who could not endure he should be high at Court were pleased he should be so in the Field Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home took when heard to be Resolution abroad Each Nature is advanced in its own Element Leicester among the Ladies my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers Itâ—s a step to Greatness to know our own way to it to exercise shew our proper Vertues as he did â—iâ— Magnanimity in these two instances among many others 1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout he said That though he were lame in his feet and hands yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary 2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King and being offered either 1000 l. or 100 l. a year in exchange for it he nobly answered If it had been a Commander he would have freely released him but being onely a Horse he saw no reason he could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a courtier and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier Queen Elizabeth on the Lord Willoughby Good Peregrine WE are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment specially when we consider what great vexations it is to a mind devoted to actions of honor to be restrained by any indisposition of body from following those courses which to your own reputation and our great satisfaction you have â—ormerly performed And therefore as we must now out of our desire of your vvell-doing chiefly enjoyn you to an eâ—pecial care to encrease and continue your health vvhich must give life to all your best endeavours so we must next as seriously recommend to you this consideration That in these times when there is such appearance that we shall have the â—ryal of our best noble Subjectâ—â— you fâ—â—m not to affect the satisfaction of your own private contentation beyond the attending of that vvhich Nature and Duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and Profession For if necessarily your health of body being recovered you should Eloign your self by residence there from those Employmentâ— vvhereof we shall have too good store you shall not so much amend the state of your body as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and judgement even in the opinion of those that love you and are best acquainted vvith your Disposition and Discretion Interpret this our plainness vve pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you for it is not common vvith us to deal so freely with many and believe that you shall ever find us both ready and vvilling in all occasions â—o yield you the fruits of that interest vvhich your Endeavours have purchased for you in our Opinion and Estimation Not doubting but when you have vvith moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundry Peregrinations you vvill find as great comfort to spend your days at home as heretofore you have done of which we do wish you full measure howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Nonsuch the seventh of October 1594. in the 37 year of our Reign Your most loving Soveraign E R. Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney HE was son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales A Person of great parts and in no mean grace with the Queen His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester from whence we may conjecture how the Father stood up in the place of Honour and Employment so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides For his Education it was such as Travel and the University could afford for after an incredible proficiency in all the species of Learning he left the Academical life for that of the Court whither he came by his Uncles invitation famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accomplishments which together with the state of his Person framed by a natural propension to Arms he soon attracted the good opinion of all men and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen that she thought the Court deficient without him and whereas through the fame of his deserts he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland she refused to further his advancement not out of Emulation but out of fear to lose the Jewel of her times He married the daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham then
Secretary of State a Lady destinated to the Bâ—d of honour who after his deplorable death â—t Zutphen in the Netherlands where he was Governour of Flushing at the time of his Uncles being there was marriâ—d to my Lord of Essex and since his death to my Lord of Sâ— Albans all persons of the Sword and otherwise of great Honour and Vertue He had an equal temperament of Mars and Mercury Valour and Learning to as high a pitch as Nature and Art could frame and Fortune improve him so Dexterous that he seemed born for every thing he went about His â—â—presentations of Vertue and Vice were not more lively in his Bâ—oks than in his Life his Fancy was not above his Vertue his Humours Counsels and Actions were renowned in the Romancer Heroiâ—k in the States-man His Soul was as large as his Parents and his Complexion as Noble an equal Line of both the modesty of the Mother allaying the activity of the Father A man so sweetly grave so familiarly staid so prettily serious he was above his years Wiâ—dome gained by travel Experience raised from Observations solid and useful Learning drawn from knowing Languet his three years Companion and choâ—câ—st Books accomplâ—shed him for the love of all and the reverence of most His Converse was not more close at home than his Correspondence abroad equally mixed with Policy Pleasure Wisdome and Love his Worth being penned up and smothered within the narrowness of his fortune sallied not out to discontent buâ— pleasure sweetning the Affairs of State with the Debonnareness of the Stage his Romance being but policy played with Machiavil in jest and State maximes sweetned to a Courtiers palate He writ men as exactly as he studied them and discerned humours in the Court with the same deep insight he described them in his Book His Infant-diâ—courses teach men O what had his riper years done He put Life into dead Notions of Ancestors made Philosophy practicable joyned the Aâ—t as closely in him as they are in themselves His Book is below his spiritâ— a spiâ—it to be confined with Kingdomes rather than Stâ—dies to do what was to be written than onely to write what was to be done All eyes were upon him but his own at first in all Affairs he was the last at last he was the first obliging all men that ever he saw and seeing all that were worth obliging All were pleased with his Arcadia but himself whose years advanced him so much beyond himself as his parts did beyond others He condemned his Arcadia in his more retired judgement to the fire which wise men think will continue to the last Conâ—lagration His private Corrâ—spondence with William of Nassan about the highest Affairs of Europe was so exact and prudent that he assured Sir Fulke Grevil he deâ—erved a Kingdome in Forreign Parts though he had not an Office in England The Earl of Leicester held his Authority in the Low-Countries by his Councel when alive and gave it over when he was dead Sir Francis Walsingham was so much overshot by him in his own Bow that those with whom Sir Philip were acquainted with for his sake were his friends for Sir Philips King Iames was honoured when King of Scotland with his friendship Henry the fourth with his correspondence Don Iuan highly obliged with his Visits the King of Spain himself concerned in his death whom England he said lost in a moment but could not breed in an Age The Universities were proud of his Pâ—tronage the Field of his presence the Studioâ—s in all Parts communicated with him the Hâ—â—eful were encouraged by him all excellent Persons thronged to him all serviceable men were entertained by him and he among them a Prince whose minde was great but his spirit greater He taught England the Majesty of honest dealâ—ng the Interest of being Religious He looked deep into men and Councels and found no Wisdom without Courage no Courage without Religion and Honesty with which solid and active reaches of his I am perswaded saith my Lord Brooks he would have found or made a way through all the Traveâ—sers â—ven of the most weak and irregular â—imes Although a private Gentleman he was a publick Good of a large yet uniform disposition so good that the great Monarch might trust so great that a little one must fear him something he did for Fame most for Conscience His publick spirit which might have enjealoused the cautious wisdome of other Princes promoted the concerns of his own He was sent to complement Rodolph but he dealt really with the Protestant Princes and raised a Ceremony to a piece of Interest He shewed that long-breathed and cautious people that imminent danger from Romes Superstition joyned with Spains Power their private confederacies and practices their cruelty and designe which awaked their drowzy wariness into an association for Conscience and Religion more solid as he demonstrated than a Combination out of Policâ— He went against the stream and current about the Frâ—nch match which he disswaded from the consequent inconveniences of Engagements and charge to England and the little advantage from France backing his Argument with a laâ—e experience and so staying Queen Elizabeths match by some reflections on Queen Mary's which was A five years Designe or Tax rather than a Marriage adding withal That in a forreign match besides the inequalness and danger of it when a strange Prince hath such an influence on our Constitution the different Religion would make the Queen either quit the reputation of a good Protestant or the honour of an obedient Wife Teâ— ways he laid down a Forreign Prince might endaâ—ger our Religion by 1. Opposing and weakning the reverend Fathers of our Church 2. By disgracing her most zealous Ministers 3. By Latitude and Connivance 4. â—y a loose and too free a behaviour steering mens Consciences which way he pleased and setting uâ—indifferency 5. â—y decrying Customes and Statutes and enhansinâ— Proclamations to the Authority of Laws 6. â—y provoking the English with French Oppressios 7. â—y entrenching on the British Liberties with Gallicâ—â—e Prerogatives 8. â—â— breaking our League and Correspondence with oâ—er Protestant States 9. â—ightning our Queen to a Complyance 10. Aâ—d at last attempting the Protestant cause He vould say to his Friend the Lord Brooks That if the Netherlands joyn with France they are terrible to Spain if with Spain they are dreadful to France if with us they sâ—pport the Reformation if they stand on tâ—eir own legs they are too strong to be forced to Pyracy He though a private person opposed her Majesty Qâ—een Elizabeth in that Affair with that sincerity with thaâ— ingenuiâ—y that freedome that duty and peaceableness that angered and pâ—eaâ—ed her His Opinion was not more against hir humour than his manage of it was to her mindâ— in which Affair when most were hood-winkeâ— with ignorance and many captived with fear he â—njoyed the freedome of his own thoughts with dayly access to her Majesty hourly converse wiâ—h the