Grey at Pomfret had his own head stricken off by the command of Richard Protector at London the same day He was warned that morning by the Lord Stanley to fly his Horse twice or thrice stumbled going to the Tower though he told one Hastings a Pursuivant whom he met not above two hours before his death that he was never more merry nor in greater surety p. 705. Lambert Symnel who was set up as Richard Duke of York the second Son of Edw. the fourth to claim the English Crown after a terrible Battel fought in his quarrel was taken and by King Henry the seventh put first into his Kitchin to turn the Spits and was after advanced to be Falconer in which Office he lived and died Richard the third being as Galba reckoned a good Prince but a bad Man was unnaturally born his Mother being cut with his Feet forward and Teeth in his Head He was contented that Doctor Shaw in a Sermon at Pauls cross should proclaim his own Mother an Adulteress and his two elder Brothers Bastards that he might thereby strengthen his Title to the Crown by which dealing together with the wicked Murder of his two Innocent Nephews he became so hated that after his death the White Boar his Cognizance was torn down from every sign that his Memorial might perish as did the Moneys of Caligula which were all melted by the decree of the Senate Sp. Hist p. 706-725-737 That tempest that drove Philip King of Spain into England threw down the Golden Eagle from Pauls steeple which in its fall battered and broke down the Black Eagle in Pauls Church-yard which accident was held ominâ—us to the Imperial Family This King Philip the Emperors son shortly after dying As that lighting which struck the letter C out of Caesars name in his statue whence it was gathered that Caesar should live but a hundred dayes and then be called a God Aesar in the old Hetrurian Language so signifying which accordingly happened Sp. p. 76. A Cornish Smith being executed for a treasonable insurrection in the time of Henry the seventh comforted himself with this at his Execution that he hoped thereby his name and memory should be everlasting p. 754. The Earl of Kildare being at Hay with the Lieutenant of the Tower at Shuffleboard when a Mandate was brought for his Execution seeing the Lieutenant strucken into a suâ—dain sadness said By St. Bride Lieutenant there 's some mad game in that scrole but fall how it will this throw is for a huddle But the Lieutenant applying himself to the King Henry the eigth had a Countermand and the Earls life was saved p. 775. When the Pope held out his Toe to be kâ—st by the Earl of Wiltshire sent Embassador from Henry the eighth a Spaniel of the Earles caught his toe in his teeth the Embassador scorning to kiss after his Dog lost that especial favour profered to him Speeds Hist p. 782. The total number of the Ecclesiastical Benefices in England is eight thousand three hundred and twenty seven In VVales nine hundred and five In all nine thousand two hundred thirty and two In the year of our Lord 1524. upon certain predictions foreshewing a great deluge Prior Bolton of St. Bartholomews in London was so fearful that he built him an house upon the height of Harrow hill storing it with provisions necessary to keep himself from drowning p. 785. When Oliver Sinclere a man of mean extraction but favourite to King James the fifth of Scotland was by him declared General The Scots Nobility out of disdain forbare to fight and gave up themselves Prisoners to the English For grief of which the King shortly after died Edward the sixth was born of the Lady Jane Seymour her womb being cut and her life lost to save his on whom were made these verses Phoenix Jana jacet nato Phoenice dolendum Saecula Phoenices nulla tulisse duas Speed Hist p. 892. The fire Cross in Scotland is only set up in time of most extream danger unto which all men are to repair that are between sixteen and sixty p. 832. In the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred forty eight one Boyer Mayor of Bodwin in Cornwall having been active in a Rebellion Sir Anthony Kingston Provost Marshal sent word to him he would visit him at Dinner but before he sate down commanded the Mayor to cause a gallows to be set up and the Table taken away he willed the said Mayor to accompany him to the place and saw him hanged ere he departed Id. p. 832. In Cornwall dwelt a Miller who had been a busy doer in the Rebellion vvho knovving his danger willed his Man to take the name of his Master if any enquired for him Sir Anthony Kingston Provost Marshal came to the Mill enquired for the Master the Man in his name presented himself and was straight commanded to the Gallows The Servant then seeing the danger of death confest he was not the Master but the Man Well said the Knight Thou canst never do thy Master better Service than to hang for him and thereupon trust him up a the next tree Speeds Hist p. 833. The Lord Edward Seymor Protector condemned for Felony for coming Armed into the Kings Counsel neither by himself nor learned Counsel demanded his Clergy which would have saved his life p. 838. When Cranmer and others urged King Edward the sixth to let his Sister Mary to have Mass in her house the King having answered all their arguments and they not taking Nay burst forth into tears and sobbing desired them to be content Speed p. 839. Queen Mary was so affected with the loss of Calice that she was wont to say that the loss of Calice was written in her heart and might there be read when her body should be opened p. 856. The head of the Admiral Chastillon murthered in the Massacre at Paris was embalmed and sent by the Queen of France as an acceptable present to the Pope 856. Con O Neale sirnamed Bacco cursed all his Posterity in case they learned English sowed wheat or built them houses p. 863. Doctor Story a bloody persecutor in Queen Maries daies in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth was entrapped at Antwerp where he had got a Commission to search for English books all ships that came in by one Parker an English Merchant Whose Ship Story searching for Heretical books was clapt under Hatches brought into England and there executed for a Traytor Speeds Hist p. 87. Queen Elizabeth told Doctor Reinolds of CCC that her reading of Seneca de Clementia had done her much good but some would perswade her it had done her State as much harm p. 874. England was divided into Parishes by Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury in the year of our Lord 636 and there are 9285 Parishes under 27 Bishops whereof two are Metropolitans Canterbury and York in manner following Canterbury Bishopricks Shires Parishes Canterbury Kent 256. Rochester Kent 98. London Essex Middlesex Hartfordshire
Flux saw that he should die he caused his Armor to be put upon him and so Armed and sitting in a Chair said Thus it becometh a Knight or man of honor to die and not lying in his bed as another mean man Grafton p. 181. Edward the Confessor was the first King of England that used by his touch to cure the Kings evil William the Conqueror had three Horses killed under him at Battel Abbey Field Id. p. 191. An Hide of Land containeth five yards and every yard containeth four Acres An Acre containeth forty perches in length and four in breadth And a Knights fee con aineth eight Hides which amount to one hundred and sixty Acres and is accompted a Plough Land Grafton 2. Vol. p. 16. Leofricus Duke of Mercia in the time of Edward the Confessor adorned the Church of Coventry with great riches of Gold Silver and Jewels insomuch that Robert William the Conquerors Chaplain being made Bishop thereof took from one beam in his Church the value of five hundred Marks A Tempest in the year one thousand and ninety in the raign of William Rufus blew down six hundred houses in London p. 23. William Rufus warring in Normandy when by his command an Army of twenty thousand men were gathered together at Hastings in Sussex ready to be transported he sent then word that every man paying ten shillings might return home as meaning to corrupt therewith Philip the French King to desert his brother Robert which accordingly was done and thereon Robert was fain to sue for Terms of Peace Id. p. 25. In the time of Rufus Bishopricks were bought and sold in England as other Merchandises also Priests used bushed and braided-heads and blazing clothes shining and Golden Girdles and gilt Spurs and many other enormities uncontrouled Grafton 2. Vol. p. 28. In the year one thousand one hundred and sixty were seen in England two Moons on Maunday Thursday the one in the East the other in the West and in the year one thousand one hundred and fifty six were seen two Suns and in the Moon a Red Cross about which time in Italy appeared three Suns by the space of three hours in the West and in the year following three Moons whereof the middle had a Red Cross overthwart noted as a token of the schisme among the Cardinals about the election of Alexander the third that endured twenty years As also in December in the year one thousand and two hundred in the raign of King John were seen in the Element about ten at night within the Province of York five Moons One in the East another in the West a third in the South another in the North and a fifth in the middle Hail fell as big as Hens Eggs and Spirits were seen flying in the Air like Birds with fire in their bills setting houses on fire as they flew And the last of October one thousand three hundred twenty and one the Sun for six hours together appeared as red as blood And in the year one thousand two hundred sixty and one in the raign of Henry the third the Thames was frozen so hard that men rode over on horse-back Grafton 2. Vol. p. 36. 51. 92. 98 138. 201. All Becket's Kinred both men and women were banished for his offence by Henry the second p. 68. Becket on Christmas day did excommunicate Robert de Brocke for cutting off the tail of one of his Horses the day before p. 71. When Pope Alexander trod upon the Emperor Fredericks neck the Quire blasphemously sung this verse Thou shalt walk upon the adder and the Basilisk and shall tread down the Lion and the Dragon p. 79. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century X. HEnry the second King of England never laid any Tax or tribute on his Subjects in all his raign and yet when he died left nine hundred thousand pounds in his Treasury Grafton Vol. 2. p 81. Robin Hood and little John who is reported to be fourteen foot high two Famous Thieves lived in the time of King Richard the first p. 85. Four hundred Jews at York in the time of Richard the first cut their Master veines and bled themselves to death p. 87. In the year one thousand two hundred twenty one the men of Cathness in Scotland burnt their Bishop because he cursed them for not paying Tithes for which cause the King of Scots hanged four hundred of the chief doers gelded their children and disinherited the Earl of that Country Id. p. 119. A Jew falling into a Privy at Tewksbury on Saturday for reverence of the day which is their Sabbath would not be taken forth The Earl of Glocester hearing of it commanded that he should not be taken out on the Lords day for reverence of the Christian Sabbath and on Munday morning he was found dead Grafton Vol. 2. p. 119. When Isabel Edward the seconds Wife was returning with an Army into England had they not been driven by a Tempest to a contrary Harbour they had all miscarried their Enemies waiting at the Port they intended to land at p. 20. Edward the third tempted the Chastity of the beautiful Countess of Salisbury and had an honorable repulse p. 214. King Edward the third having streightned Calice by a Twelve-months siege proffered mercy to all except six which should come forth with Halters about their necks and be left wholly to his dispose they coming he commanded them to be beheaded but upon the earnest intercession of his Queen and Nobles he forgave them who had all voluntarily proffered themselves to that danger to save their people p. 286. King Edward the third took Sir Eustace of Richmond Prisoner with his own hand and for his valiant behaviour in the encounter he set him at liberty and gave him a rich Chapelet of Pearls to were in remembrance of him Grafton Vol. 2. p. 291. Sir James Audely having behaved himself valiantly at the battel of Poytiers the Black Prince gave him five hundred Marks a year which he presently gave his four Esquires the Prince hearing of it confirmed his gift and gave him six hundred Marks more for himself p. 299. John King of France and Edw. the 3d King of England being together at Mass when the Pax was profered to be kissed both refused to kiss first and so instead of kissing the Pax they kissed each other p. 316. In the year one thousand four hundred and eleven the Thames flowed three times in one day of which Grafton gives the reason to be great Winds Rains and Frost p. 441. At the Council of Constance was assembled of Bishops Abbots and Doctors three hundred forty six of Noble men five hundred sixty four of Knights and Esq sixteen thousand besides Servants which not accounting the Townsmen were reckoned forty five thousand persons Id. 444. In the raign of Henry the fiftâ— there was a Bill put up in the Parliament at Leicester against the Temporalties of the Clergy That that which was devoutly given and disordinately spent might
in English rather than he would live to see that day he would cut his own throat p. 405. Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellor of England his Father at the same time being a Judge of the Kings bench He would always at his going to VVestminster go first to the Kings Bench and ask his Fathers blessing before he went to sit in Chancery p. 406. Anne Bullen condemned and going to Execution called one of the Privy Chamber to her and said unto him Commend me to the King and tell him he is constant in his course of advancing of me for from a Private Gentlewoman he made me a Marquess from a Marquess a Queen and now he hath left no higher degree of Worldly honour he hath made me a Martyr Id. p. 408. Richard Read Alderman of London refusing to pay his Assessment was sent a Solâ—ier into Scotland by Henry the eighth and there taken Prisoner Id. p. 426. In the eighteenth year of Henry the eighth there was a proclamation made against all unlawful games so that in all places Tables Dice Cards and Bowls were taken and burnt bu this order continued not long for young men being thus restrained fell to drinking stâ—aling Conies and other worse misdemeanours Id. 424. About the fifteenth year of Henry the eighth divers things were brought into England whereof this Rithme was made Turkeys Carps Hops Pickerel and Bare Came into England all in one year The six Articles on which the Martyrs were put to death in the times of Henry the eighth and Queen Mary were these following They were condemned that held 1. That the body of Christ was not really present in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper after Consecration 2. That the Sacrament might not truly be administred under one kind 3. That Priests entred holy orders might marry 4. That vows of Chastity entred into upon mature deliberation might not kept 5. That private Masses were not to be used 6. â—hat Auricular Confession was not necessary in the Church p. 426. Judge Morgan who gave sentence against the Lady Jane Gray fell mad and in his raving cried continually to have the Lady Jane taken away from him and so ended his life p. 459. In the thirty seventh year of King Henry the eighth on Tuesday in Easter week VVilliam Foxly Pot-maker to the Mint of the Tower of London fell asleep and could not be waked with pinching and burning till the first day of the next Term which was full fourteen dayes and when he awaked he was in all points as if he had slept but one night and lived forty years after Id. p. 428. In the sixth year of Edward the sixth at Middleton stony eleven Miles from Bristol a woman brought forth a Childe which had two perfect bodies from the Navil upwards the Legs for both the bodies grew out of the midst where the bodies joyned and had but one Issue for the Excrement of them both They lived eighteen dayes and were women children Id. p. 448. When the Duke of Northumberland went out of London in defence of the Lady Jane he said to the Lord Graâ— See how the people press to see us but not one saith the Lord speâ—d you p. 451. Queen Elizabeth while her Sister lived being asked what she thought of those words of Christ This is my body whether she thought that was Christs body in the Sacrament after a little pause is reported to make this answer Christ was the word that spake it He took the Bread and brake it And what the word did make it Thatâ— believâ— and take it Which served her turn to escape that snare which by a direct answer she could not Sir R. Baker p. 459. Queen Mary being resolved to restore what Lands were alienated from the Church by Henry the eighth when it was told her that it would be a great diminution to the revenues of the Crown she answered she more valued the Salvation of her Soul than a thousand Crowns Id. p. 463. The day that Ridley and Latimar suffered at Oxford Gardiner would not go to Dinner though the old Duke of Northumberland invited him to dine with him till after four of the Clock and the reason was because he would first hear that they were burnt and as soon as word was brought he said Now let 's go to dinner where sitting down and eating merrily he fell into such extremity that he was taken from the Table and carried to his Bed where he continued fifteen daies without voiding any thing by Urine or otherwise which caused his tongue to swell in his mouth and so died Id. p. 463. The Lord Starton for a Murder was hanged at Salisbury in a silken Halter Id. p. 463. When Cranmer was burnt and his whole body consumed yet his heart remained untoucht with the fire 463. In Queen Maries dayes there died for Religion five Bishops one and twenty Divines and of all sorts of men and women two hundred seventy and seven p. 469. Tobâ—cco was first brought into England by one Ralph Lane in the year one thousand five hundred fifty six the twentieth of Queen Elizabeth p. 529. Lopez being executed for Treason against Queen Elizabeth at Tyburn professed that he loved the Queen as well as he did Jesus Christ which was cause of laughter to them that knew him to be a Jew Id. p. 553. Peter Bourchet a Gentleman of the Temple supposing it lawful to kill those who were Enemies to the Gospel assaults Hawkins the famous Mariner instead of Hatton and wounds him for which he was sent to the Tower where taking a brand out of the fire he struck out the brains of one of his keepers called Hugh Langworth for which fact he was condemned of Murder and his right hand cut off and nailed to the Gallows and himself thereon hanged Baker p. 564. It 's reported of Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports that his Pulse beat three quarters of an hour after he was dead as strongly as if he were alive Id. p. 577. In the third year of Queen Elizabeth a Mare brought forth a Foal with two Heads and a long Tayl growing beâ—ween them A Sow farrowed a Pig with two bodies eight feet and but one head A man-child was born at Chichester having Arms and Legs like to an Anatomy the breast and belly monstrous big about the neck a great Collar of flesh and skin growing like the Ruff of a shirt Id. p. 577. One Richard Heydock of New Colledge in Oxon a Dr. of Physick pretended to Preach in his sleep was by King James discovered to be a Mountebank Id. p. 591. Sunday the twenty fourth of October one thousand six hundred and three an Exemplar Penance was imposed on Sr. Pechsal Brockaâ— Knight which was to stand at Pauls Cross in a white Sheet holding a stick in his hand having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioner for many notorious Adulteries with divers women Id. p. 602. In the year of our Lord one thousand six
Tongue Pambo shut the Book and took his leave saying He would go learn that point When he had absented himself certain Months he was demanded by his Teacher when he would go forward he answered he had not yet learned his old Lesson Bishop Lakes Serm. 51. p. 93. Huartus in his Trial of Wits reporteth of a Noblemans Page in Spain that being distracted of his Wits imagined himself to be a King In which conceit he so pleased himself that when he was cured he was displeased with the Physician that restored him to his right mind Idem ibidem p. 97. Carneades a great Orator having one day prevailed in Court by his great Eloquence would come the next day and as strongly maintain the contrary cause Butterfield against Burton p. 120. Dionysius having composed a Tragedy sent it to Philoxenus the Poet for his approbation who sent it back scored and cancelled quite through as being all naught And when a bragging Painter shewed a Picture to Apelles which he said was made in a days time Apelles answered him I thought no less Procopius tells us that near the Pole where the Inhabitants have Night for divers Months they at the end of such a Night when the Sun useth to render it self to their view get up to the top of the highest Mountains desiring to have the view of that desired Creature which they no sooner see but they adorn themselves in their best attire and with mutual joy and embraces congratulate its appearing saying Behold the Sun the Sun appeareth and so they meet and feast one another Antigonus when Thrasillus the Cynick Philosopher asked him a penny told him it was no Kingly gift when he askt him a Talent he answered that was no request for a Cynick Thus neatly shifted himâ—elf and withheld his Charity But Alexander dealt otherwise who when he had assigned to his friend Perillus Fifty Talents to place his Daughters and Perillus had told him Ten would suffice He replied True for thee to take but not for me to give Galatius good Wife p. 14. Dr. Boys in his Postills relates a story of a Merchant that would never go to Mass but when he heard the Saints Bell would say to his Wife Pray thou for thee and me And that this Merchant dreamed that he and his wife were dead and that when he knockt at Heaven gate for entrance St. Peter suffered his wife to enter but thrust him out saying Thy wife shall enter for her self and for thee Idem p 52. St. Austin reports of himself that in the heat of his youth he prayed for Continency but was not willing to be heard too soon For said he I did rather desire to have my Lust satisfied than extinguisht Coninvus relates concerning the Battel of Mont Le Chery that many lost their Offices for flying away that were bestowen on others that fled Ten Leagues farther Idem Pilate by wearing Christs Coat without a Seâ—m is reported to appease the wrath of angry Caesar Boys Fest p. 71. Pliny relates of two Goats meeting on a narrow Bridge who did not Vim sed viam facere not make away but make way one for the other as Mutianus an eye-witness tells the story the one lying down on his Belly suffered the other to pass over his Back and so both escaped the danger of drowning And in the time of the Gothish Warrs a Roman Souldier and a Barbarian fell into the same Pit whose necessity made them Friends and to consult the relieving one the other It 's reported of Stilpho Megareus a great Philosopher in his Age that he was exceedingly given by nature to Wine and Women but he so tamed his unbridled affections by good Discipline that no man could ever justly charge him with either Idem p. 10. Themistocles intending to sell a Farme caused the Crier to proclaim that it had a good Neighbour Boys 3d. part Fest p. 14. A Reverend and Religious Arch-Bishop of Mentz having been a long time depraved and at last deprived of his Dignities and Offices by two corrupt Cardinals his Judges and a false-hearted Advocate his familiar friend out of the bitterness of his spirit made this appeal from them unto the Lord of Heaven God knoweth unto whom all things are naked that I am unjustly condemned Yet I will not appeal here from your Sentence for that I know ye shall sooner be beliâ—ved though speaking false than I shall in speaking truth and therefore I receive this heavy censure for the Rebellions of my youth and my otner offences Nevertheless I appeal from your judgment to the Judge eternal and only wise which is Christ Jesus before whom I summon you The Cardinals fell into a laughing and said that if he would go before they would follow It happened that the poor Bishop having withdrawn himself into a Monastery dyed within a year and a half after And the Cardinals hearing thereof in a scoffing manner said one to another that they must go seek the Arch-Bishop Now within a few dayes after one of them was most bloodily slain and the other grinding his Teeth eat up his hands and died And lastly the Judas that betrayed him the false Advâ—cate placed in his room was so mortally hated of all men for his Sedition and Cruelty that being assaulted in a Monastery he was there butchered and his Carcass cast into the Town Ditch where lying three dayes all sorts of people both men and women used all manner of despight upon it Boys Festival part 3. p. 112. Albertus Duke of Saxony was wont to say that he had three wonders in one City namely Three Monasteries for the Friars of the first had Children and yet no Wives The Friars of the second had a great deal of coin and yet no Land The Friers of the third abounded with Money and yet had no Rents Idem p. 141. When Alexander saw the dead Corps of Darius and Julius Caesar the Head of Pompey and Marcus Marcellus Syracuse burn and Scipio Numantia spoiled and Titus Hierusalem made even with the Ground they could not abstain from weeping though they had been mortal Enemies Boys on the last Psalm p. 19. Dr. Boys Preaching on the Fifth of November at Pauls Cross desired his Auditory to joyn with him in this prayer Our Pope which art at Rome cursed be thy Name perish may thy Kingdom hindred may thy Will be as it is in Heaven so in Earth Give us this day our Cup in the Lords Supper and remit our moneys which we have given for thy Indulgence as we send them back unto thee and lead us not into Heresie but free us from Misery For there is the infernal pitch and sulphur for ever and ever Amen Idem ibid. p. 21. Pericles a Heathen rejoyced on his Death-Bed that no Citizen of Athens had ever worn a mourning Gown through his Occasion It is reported of Arch-Bishop Cranmer that his Heart after his Flesh and Bones were consumed in the merciless Flames was found unscorched and
where but in the face which they not able or willing to endure presently retired and lost the Day to Caesar Pompey flying towards Egypt had his Head smitten off in a Boat by the command of the King of Egypt which Caesar wept at when it was shew'd unto him and put to Death those that did it Imperial History p. 15. Afranius one of Pompeys Captaines and Juba King of Mauritania rather than fall into Caesars Hands determined to dye fighting the one against the other Juba slew Afranius and afterward commanded his own Slave to kill himself and so died desperately p. 18. Caesar returning to Rome had four triumphs granted him one for France the second for Egypt the third for Pontus and King Phraaces which he conquered so quickly that he wrote of it veni vidi vici I came I savv I conquered The fourth for Juba As for his Conquest of Pompey he refused because it was over a Romm Citizen Ibid. p. 18. Caesar being in great danger in his last War in Spain against the younger Pompey was ready to have killed himself but recovering the day he said of it That in other Battels he fought for his Honour but in this for his Life Idem p. 19. When Caesar was counselled to have a Guard alwayes about him He answered he would have none for he would rather dye once than live in perpetual care and fear p. 21. Caesar in the fifty sixth year of his age was slain in the Senate seventy of the chief Senators conspiring his Death he having the Night before when a question was asked what Death was best answered The suddain and not propensed His Wife dreamt that Night that he lay dead in her Lap and Spurina warned him to have heed to the Ides of March and a Note was given to him going to the Senate discovering the conspiracy which he began to read but was interrupted and died with it in his hands p. 23. When Marcus Antonius made the Funeral Oration for Caesar who was slain forty and two yearrs before the Birth of our Saviour he shewed his bloody Robe to the People which so enraged them that they ran with burning-brands from the fire of Caesars burning and set on fire the Houses of Brutus and Caffius two principal Conspirators and slew in their rage one Elius Cinna mistaking him for Cornelius Cinna one of Caesars Murderers though he was his Friend And observable it is that all Caesars Murderers within three years died and not one of them of a natural death Imperial History p. 26. Augustus Caesar shut Janus Temple three times in token of Vniversal peace which had bin but twice shut before from the foundation of Rome and in the forty and second year of his Raign the last time that he shut Janus Temple Christ was born Idem p. 49. Tiberius though most unchast himself yet was a great punisher of unchastity in others In the eighteenth year of whose Raign Christ was Crucified whom Tiberius would have had the Senate admit into the number of the Gods but they refused p 59. When one condemned by Tiberius desired that he might be put to present Death he answered No I am not yet so much your Friend p. 60. Caligula was the best Servant and the worst Lord in the World He made a Bridg three Miles over an Arm of the Sea covered it with Earth and built Houses on it and burnt such an infinite number of Torches in the Night he lay there that the darkness of the Night was expelled whereupon be brag'd that he had made of the Sea Land and of the Night Day He commanded himself to be worshipped as a God yet was so afraid of Thunder that he would creep under a Bed to hide himself He wisht all the Roman People had but one Neck that he might destroy them all at one blow He gathered a great Army and marshalled them on the Sea coast and commanded them to gather Cockle-shells for which he demanded Triumph and was killed by Conspiracy in the year of our Lord God sixty three Imperial History p. 70. Nero though most cruel by Nature yet feigned Clemency insomuch that a warrant being brought him to sign for the putting one to Death He said he would that he could not write p. 85. When Agrippina was told that her Son should be Emperour but that he should kill his Mother She replied Let him have the Empire and then kill her and spare not which he accordingly did and viewed his Mothers Womb in which he lay Idem p. 89. In the days of Nero the City of Laodicea was wholly laid wast and destroyed with an Earth-quake p. 90. In the days of Nero it was more dangerous to be rich than to commit offences Few were punished because of their misdeeds but many lost their lives because of their wealth Idem p. 91. When Nero espoused Sporus whom he castrated as his Wife One hearing of it said It had been well for the VVorld that Nero's Father Domitius had never bad but such a VVife Idem p 94. Nero set Rome on fire and in six Days and seven Nights would not suffer it to be quenched so that of fourteen Parts ten were burned and the while got up into a high Tower where delighted with the sight He sung verses out of Homer concerning the burning of Troy He raised the first persecution against Christians whom he covered with Wild Beasts Skins and then set Dogs at them p. 94. Otho when his Army was discomfited to avoid effusion of more Roman blood slew himself and when he was burned divers slew themselves for love of him Imperial History p. 112. Vitellius coming into the Fields where the dead Bodies that were slain taking part with Otho lay unburied his Souldiers and Captains holding their Noses He reproved them saying that there was not a sweeter smell in the World Than the smell of an Enemy being Dead especially a Citizen He banished Astrologers and Mathematicians because they had foretold he should not raign above a year He was excessive in his prodigality and most bloudy in his cruelty He put to Death two young men only because they had interceeded for their Father whom he had condemned to Death p. 115. Vespasian was made Emperor against his VVill and forced to accept of it with drawn Swords by his Souldiers who threatned otherwise they would immediately kill him He was a good Prince lived seventy nine yeares died in his Bed For his health he used frictions and fasting one day every month without eating any thing Id. p. 117. 129. Titus was called Deliciae humani generis sent none from him discontented One Night having given nothing that day he said to his Friends Heu diem perdidi and when two great men had conspired his Death he freely forgive them without punishment Domitian delighted in catching Flies and though he were evil himself yet he severely punisht evil Governours He commanded himself to be called God and Lord. p. 136. When a Battel
378. Elfleda King Edwards Sister having born her husband Ethelred one daughter her travail in childbed was so grievous that ever after she forbare the nuptial embracements of her husband alledging that it was an over foolish pleasure which brougâ—t after so great paines Speeds History p. 378. Ethelstan being jealous of Edwin his Brother caused him to be put into a little Pinnace without Tackling or Oares one only page accompanying of him that his death might be imputed to the waves whence the young Prince overcome with Grief cast himself headlong into the Sea p. 379. Edburg the eighth daughter of King Edward in her child-hood had her disposition tried and her course of life disposed by her Father in this manner He laid before her gorgeous apparel and rich Jewels in one end of a Chamber and the new Testament and books of Princely instructions in another wishing her to make her choice of which she liked best She presently took up the books and he her in his Armes and kissing her said Go in Gods name whither he hath called thee and thereupon placed her in a Monastery at Winchester where she Vertuously spent her whole life Id. p. 380. Elfrid a Noble man intending to have put out King Aethetstons Eyes his Treason being known was apprehended and sent to Rome where at the Altar of St. Peter and before Pope John the tenth he abjured the fact and thereupon fell down to the earth so that his servants bore him to the English School where within three days after he died the Pope denying him Christian burial till he knew Aethelstans pleasure Speeds Hist p. 380. Athelstan by the instigation of his parasites especially his Cup-bearer having exposed his Brother without Oars and Tackling in a Pinnace whence he threw himself into the Sea this Cup-bearer chancing on a Festival to stumble with one Foot and recovering himself with the other pleasantly said Ye see how one Brother helpeth another Upon which Speech the King calling to mind and laying to Heart the death of his Brother forthwith commanded execution to be done on his Cup-bearer the procurer of it p. 381. Aethelstan having conquered Constantine King of Scots and Howel King of Wales presently restored them to their former estate adding withall this princely saying That it was more Honour to make a King than to be a King Id. p. 381. Antaff King of some part of Ireland warring against King Aetheâ—stan disguised himself like a Harper and came into Aethelstans Tent whence being gon a Souldier that knew him discovered it to King Aethelstan who being offended with the Souldier for not declaring it sooner the Souldier made this answer I once served Antaff under his pay as a Souldier and gave him the same faith I now give you if then I should betray him what trust could your grace repose in my truth Let him therefore die but not by my treachery and let your care remove your Royal self from danger Remove your Tent from the place where it stands lest at unawares he assayl you Which the King did and a Bishop pitching in the same place was that Night with all his retinue slain by Antaff seeking the Kings life p. 381. Aethelstan going into Scotland turned aside to visit St. John of Beverley where praying for his prosperous success for the want of a richer Jewel offered his Knife vowing to redeem it at his return with a richer present which accordingly he did Ibid. Hugh King of France â—â—â—t to Aethelstan the Sword of Constantine tâ—â—â—reat in the Hilt whereof all covered with â—old was one of the Nailes that fastned Christ to the Cross Speeds Hist p. 381. King Edmund interposing himself between his Sewer and another to part a Fray was with a thrust through the body slain at â—uckle Church in Glocestershire p 387. Edred the twenty eighth Monarch of the Englishmen submitted his Body to be chastised at the pleasure of Dunstan of Glastonbury p. 385. Edwy the twenty ninth Monarch of English the day of his Coronation in the sight of his Nobles sitting in Counsel with shameless and unprincely lust abused a great Lady his near Kinswoman whose Husband he slew to enjoy her more securely p. 385. King Edgar enacted a Law against excessive drinking ordaining a size by certain Pins set in the Pots with penalties to those should drink beyond the mark he likewise imposed a Tribute on the Welsh-men of 300 VVolves yearly which being paid three years in the fourth year there were none to be found and so the Tribute ceased p. 387. Edgar having heard a daughter of a VVestern Duke commended for her beauty came to Andover and commanded the Damsel to his bed The Mother brought her Maid servant instead of her daughter who hastning to rise in the morning to her work was detained by the King who perceiving the deceit chekt her deceivers and kept her for his Concubine Edgar being told of the beauty of Elfrida daughter of Ordgarus Duke of Devonshire sent Ethelwold a Courtier to see her who minding to get her for himself discommended her to the King and by his leave married her Edgar aftervvards perceiving that he vvas abused invited himself to hunt at Ethelwolds Parâ— vvho suspecting the Kings meaning persvvaded his vvife so to dress her self as might conceal her beauty but she contrarily set it forth to the utmost so that the King entangled vvith it kill'd Ethelwold and tooâ— Elfrida to vvife p. 388. Edgith the daughter of Edgar a veiled Nun in the Monastery of Wilton being sharply reproved by Bishop Ethelwold for her too Curious attire roundly ansvvered him That God regarded the Heart more than the garment and that sins might be covered as vvell under Rags as Robes Speeds Hist. p. 38â— In a Council at VVincâ—ester vvhen there could be no agreement concerning the Marriage of Priests the business vvas referred by the Council to the Rood placed on the Refectory VVall vvhere the Council sate They praying to him he returned this ansvver God forbid it should be so God forbid it should be so You judged well once and to change is not good p. 391. The Devil coming to tempt St. Dunstan in the shape of a beautiful Woman he pulling her Nose with hot burning Pincers spoiled a good face Ibid. Ethelred gave secret Commissions to destroy all the Danes on Saint Brices day which accordingly was done in the year of our Lord one thousand and two Id. p. 394. Swain the Danish King demanded a great composition for the preservation of St. Edmunds Monastery the Inhabitants refusing to pay he threatned spoil to the place and the Martyrs bones in the midst of which Jollity he suddainly cried out that he was struck by St. Edmund with a Sword being in the midst of his Nobles and no man seeing from whose hand it came and so with great horror and torment on the third of February ended his dayes Id. 396. Ethelred when his Mother had procured the death of King Edward his brother
to the revenues of the Church whereby the land was weakened The Conqueror replied That since the Clergy is so rich that thereby the land is enfeebled out of thine own mouth will I condemn thee and begin with thee first and immediately took all the land that lay between Barnet and London-stone from him Id. p. 429. The Monks of Ely being to pay seven hundred Marks by way of composition to the Conqueror when they came to pay there wanted a groat upon which he made them pay a thousand Marks more for their peace Speeds Hist p. 429. William the Conqueror in Normandy being sick of some disease in his belly and keeping his bed more than he was used Philip King of France hearing of it said Oh what a number of Candles must I offer when our Cousin goes to Church I think a Million will not suffice The Conqueror being told of it said Our Cousin of France shall be at no such charge but after this my Child-bed I will find him Candles and light them my self and immediately entred France and Fired all before him and burnt the City of Naunts in whose walls was enclosed an Anchoret who might but would not escape holding it a breach of his religions vow to forsake his Cell in that distress p. 432. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century VIII RObert Duke of Normandy in a battel encountred his own Father William the Conqueror and unhorsed him but knowing him by his voice humbled himself and secured his Father from further danger Speeds Hist p. 430. VVilliam the Conqueror imprisoning his brother Odo who was both an Earl and Bishop of Bayeux said he did it not as his Brother was a Bishop but as he enjoyed a secular honour William the Conqueror dying hearing the great Bell ring Prime to our Lady lifting up his hands said I commend my self to that Blessed Lady Mary Mother of God that she by her holy prayers may reconcile me to her most dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ and with these words yielded up the Ghost p. 434. William the Conqueror no sooner dead but was forsaken and left naked by all his followers none taking care to bury him till a poor Country Knight one Harluins undertook to carry him to Cane where fire happening at his entrance all left the Herse and being about to be interred one Asceline Fits Arthur forbad him burial in that place which he alledged was sometimes his Fathers House till compounded with and when he was put into the grave his body breaking drove all away with the intolerable stench Speeds Hist p. 434. Rufus besieging Rochester commanded that every man should repair to the siege that would not be counted a Niding a word of such disgrace and so distastful to the English that multitudes seemed rather to fly than to run to it p. 438. Henry the youngest Son of William the Conqueror being besieged by his two Brothers Robert and William in great want of water sent to Duke Robert who courteously supplied him at which when Rufus was displeased Robert replied Dost thou esteem of water more than of a Brother having no more than him and me In which dissension Henry escaped Id. 439. Malcolme King of Scots besieging Alnwick Castle an English Knight unarmed only having a light Spear in his hand on the top of which he bare the Keyes of the Castle came riding into the Camp where being brought to the King couching his Spear as though he intended to present him with the Keyes ran him into his left Eye left him dead and through the swiftness of his Horse escaped Hence some say came the name Percy p. 440. Rufus having notice by a messenger of the siege of Main a City in Normandy the King answered he would take advice what to do but thy subjects said the messenger are in distress and cannot be delaied whereat the King sware his wonted Oath by St. Lukes face that if they could not they should not and that he would not turn his back till he were with them and thereupon commanded to break down that Wall that he might go forth the next way to the Sea leaving his Commission to his Nobles to follow but the Seas and Winds being rough his Pilate misdoubting hazard desired him to stay till the Sea and Elements were calmer he replied Hast thou ever heard that any King hath been drowned therefore hoyse up thy Sails I charge thee and be gon Speeds Hist p. 441. Rufus his Chamberlain bringing him a pair of new Hose and he demanding the price was answered that they cost three shillings Away base fellow quoth â—e are tâ—ese beseeming a King bring me of a Mark price His Servant went and brought a pair of no greater cost but told him tâ—ey were of the rate appointed with which the King was well pleased p. 442. Two rich Monkes outvying one another for an Abbacy another poor sober Monk standing by Rufus asked him what he would give to be made Abbot he replied nothing for I entred my profession to be Poor And on him the King conferr'd it as most worthy of it Id. p. 442. In the last year of King Rufus Earl Godwyns Lands were drowned by the Sea now called Godwyn Sands and a Well of Blood rose up out of the ground at Finchamsteade near Abington in Barkeshire Id. p. 443. Rufus dream'd that the Veins of his Armes were broken and abundance of Blood lay on the Floor And a Monk dream'd that the Crucifix spurned the King to the ground of whom Rufus said Well a Monk he is and can dream as Monkes use to do for gain give him a hundred shilling lest he should think that he dreamed bootless Ibid. Rufus hunting in the new Forrest which his Father had depopulated was accidently shot by Sir Walter Tyrrel and being slain was layed in a Colliers Cart drawn with one Horse which Cart broke in a dirty way and there lay the Spectacle of earthly Glory pitifully begoared and filthily bemired Id. p. 443. Henry Beauclerke after he was King his first work was to reform his Court and Houshold cashiering all nice and effeminate Wantons and enacting a Decree against his Courtiers Rapines Adulteries and Robberies punished their Thefts with death and their Lechery with the loss of their Eyes and other parts peccant Speeds Hist p. 445. Robert Duke of Normandy being chosen King of Hierusalem hearing of the death of Rufus refused that in hopes to have England for which his neglect of divine appointment it is said God never prospered him after for his Brother Henry Beauclerk conquered Normandy from him on Saturday the Vigil of St. Michael being the same day forty years that William the Conqueror set foot on English ground for his Conquest God so disposing that Normandy should be subjected to England that very day wherein England was subjected to Normandy He likewise put out his Eyes and kept him Prisoner in Cardiff Castle twenty six years where for grief conceived at the putting on of a fair new
as unworthy for her unchast life to have Christian burial But the chast Virgins gathered them up put them into a perfumed bag and buried them laying a fair grave-stone upon them inscribed with these verses Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi non Rosa munda Non redolet sed olet quae redolere solet Qui meat hâc oret signumque salutis adoret Vtque tibi detur requies Rosamunda precetur Speeds Hist p. 480. Morgan natural Son to Henry the second born of the body of the Lady Blewet being elected Bishop of Durham and going for Consecration and a dispensation because of his Bastardy the Pope advised him to own himself Blewets Son but he answered That he would not renounce his Roâ—al blood for any promotion p. 480. Maud the Empress was the daughter wife and mother of Kings all named Henry which is expressed in this distich made of her Ortu magna Viro major sed maxima prole Hic jacet Henrici filia sponsa nurus Speeds Hist 481. Richard the first though himself had rebelled against his Father yet coming to the Crown cashiered all those that had forsaken and retained those who had stood faithful to his Father though against himself and made use of them in all his affairs p. 485. Rhese ap Griffith Prince of Wales coming as far as Oxford to Visit King Richard because the King came not forth to meet him returned back into his own Country without once saluting of him Ibid. When the Emperor gave three thousand Marks a part of King Richards ransome to make Silver Censers through all the Cestertian Order they refused the gift as part of an accursed spoil p. 489. Pope Celestin Crowning Henry the Emperor held the Crown between his feet which the Emperor stooping low he put upon his head and presently with his foot struck it off and dasht it to the ground but the Cardinals catching of it up put it again on the Emperors head Sp. H. p. 485. Henry de Pumeroy having fortified St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall against King Richard in behalf of Earl John hearing of the Kings return out of Captivity died of fear Id. p. 489. Richard the first sitting at Dinner at Westminster receiving advertisement of the siege laid to Vernveil by Philip of France sware that he would not turn his face till he had gotten thither with his Army whereupon he caused the wall to be bored through and never rested till he had removed the siege Id. p. 489. The Pope writing to King Richard to release the Bishop of Beauvoys whom he kept Prisoner calling him his Son The King sent the Habergica and Curace of the Bishop to the Pope with this question See if this be thy Sons Coat The Pope replied that he was no Son of his nor of the Church but the Son of Mars and should be ransomed at the Kings pleasure p. 499. King Richard the first out of Covetousness of Treasure of which he was profered a great part but would have all went to assault a Castle where he received his deaths wound Speeds Hist p. 491. Whilst King Richard warred in France one Fulco a French Priest came to him and told him he had three very bad daughters which he wished him to bestow in Marriage or else Gods wrath would attend him When the King denied he had any daughters Yes quoth the Priest thou cherishest three daughters Pride Covetousness and Lechery The King replied My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars and Hospitallers my Covetousness to the white Monks of the Cesteaux Order and my Lechery to the Priests and Prelates for therein they take their greatest Felicity Id. p. 492. A Monk at Swinstead Abbey presenting King John with an Invenomed Cup whereof the King commanded him to be his taster became the diabolical instrument of his own and his Soveraigns destruction Id. p. 516. William Marshal Earl of Pembrook famous for his atchievements in Ireland had this Epitaph made on him Sum qui Saturnum sibi sensit Hibernia Solem Anglia Mercurium Normannia Gallia Martem William Longspee Earl of Salisbury upon point of death would not receive the Sacrament in his bed but on his bare knees on the ground which he bedewed with his tears The like devotion is reported of King Henry the eighth On VVilliam Longspee was made this Epitaph Flos comitum Wilielmus obit Stirps regia longus Ensis Vaginam coepit habere brevem Speeds Hist p. 524. Henry the third the same day he set sail from England did himself in person visit the poor and feeble and dealt large Almes not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous p. 527. Four Parelions together with the Sun in the year one thousand two hundred thirty and three in the moneth of April appeared from Morning till night about the parts of Hereford and VVorcestershire 529. Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent vvas articled against to King Henry the third that he had stoln out of the Kings Jewel-house a pretious stone of wonderful value whose vertue was to make him that wore it invincible in battel and that he gave that stone to Liolin Prince of Wales the Kings Enemy Speed p. 528. Liolin Prince of Wales being threatned that if he lived not quiet King Henry the third would soon abate him answered I more fear the Almsdeeds the King gives than all the men of War he hath and the whole Clergy put together p. 530. In a great famine in the raign of Henry the third certain poor of Albaldestea in Cambridgshire while as yet the corn was green pluckt the ears in the common field to sustain their lives whereat the owners call on the Priest to curse all such but one in the Company adjured the Priest in the name of God to exempt his Corn in the sentence saying That it pleased him well that the poor driven with famine had taken his Corn and so commended that which they had left to God The Priest compelled by the importunity of the rest was entred into the sentence when by a terrible interrupting tempest of thunder lightning wind hail and rain all the Corn-fields about were desolated as if they had been trodden down with Horse and Cart and no kind of beast or fowl would feed upon the Corn thus layed but that honest and compassionate hearted man found all his Corn and ground though intermixed vvith theirs altogether untoucht and unharmed p. 532. In the year one thousand tvvo hundred thirty five there vvere brought before King Henry the third seven Jews vvho circumcised a child and purposed in contempt of Christ and Christianity to have crucified him at Easter at Norwich Speeds History p. 532. At the Marriage of Richard Earl of Cornwall brother to Henry the third there were thirty thousand Messes provided in the Cookery only and of all other things incredible plenty and yet the next day there was no sign of it p. 537. Ingetram or Coucy a great Lord in France whose daughter Alexander King
hundred and nineteen one Bernard Calvert of Andover rode from St. Georges Church in Southwark to Dover from thence passed by Barge to Calice in France and from thence returned back to St. Georges Church in the same day setting out about three of the Clock in the morning and returned about eight of the Clock in the evening fresh and lusty Sr. R. Baker p. 605. Sr. Francis Michel a chief assistant to Sr. George Montpesson was degraded and made to ride with his face to the Horse Tayl through the City of London in the year one thousand six hundred twenty and one Id. p. 605. When King Charles the first went into Spain Gondamer lying here Embassador received three hundred pounds of one Lady to be Groom of the Stool when the Princess should come and of another a round sum to be Mother of the Maids and of divers others the like for other places p. 605. George Abbot Arch-Bishop of Canterbury shooting at a Deer the Arrow glancing kill'd a man Id. 615. In the fifth year of Queen Mary within a mile of Notingham so great a Thunder happened that it beat down all the Houses and Churches thereabouts many were hurt and five or six men were slain and yet their flesh and skin not perished and Hail-stones fell fifteen inches about Id. p. 466. In the second year of the Raign of King James a strange Accident hapned to the terror of all Murderers which was this One Anne VVaters enticed by a lover of hers consented to have her Husband strangled whom they buried secretly under a Dunghil in the Cow-House whereupon the man being mist by his Neighbours and his wife making shew of wondering what was become of him it pleased God that â—ne of the Inhabitants of the Town Dreamed â—hat his Neighbour Waters was strangled and â—uried under the Dunghil in the Cow-House and upon declaring of his Dream search being made the dead body was found The wife was apprehended confessed the Fact and was burned Id. p. 614. In the year one thousand six hundred and thirteen on the seventeenth of April in the Parish of Standish in Lancaster a Maiden Child was born having four Legs four Arms two Bellies joyned to one Back one Head with two Faces the one before the other behind like the Picture of Janus Sr. R. Baker p. 615. In the year one thousand six hundred and thirteen on the twenty sixt day of June in the Parish of Christs Church in Hamptshire one John Hitckil a Carpenter lying in bed with his wife and a young child was himself and his child both burned to death with a sudden Lightning no fire appearing outwardly upon him and yet lay burning for the space almost of three days till he was quite consumed to ashes p. 615. In the year one thousand six hundred and seven the Sea broke into Somersetshire and Glocestershire and drowned eighty Persons and did twenty thousand pounds worth of hurt at which stoud Hares Foxes Dogs and other several Beasts of several kinds and natures getting up to the top of the Hills in the midst of the waters were peaceable together p. 611. The twenty seventh day of May one thousand five hundred eighty two a rich Merchants Daughter of Antwerp came to a most fearful and lamentable End she being invited to a wedding and inending to shew her self in her greatest gallantry sent for two Landresses to dress her Ruffs then greatly in Fashion who bringing them home as well drest as possibly they could yet not to the satisfaction of her foolish curiosity she in great rage began to swear curse and ban and t rowing the Ruffs on the ground wished the Devil might take her when she wore any of them again In which time by Gods permission the Devil in the shape of a Gallant Suitor came to her and questioning the cause of her rage she told him how she was abused in setting her Ruffs He undertook to please her drest them who liking them put them on and looking in the Glass was very well pleased but while she was so doing the Divel kist her and writhing her neck kill'd her Great preparations were made for her Burial and when four men went to move the Coffin they could not then six tried but could not they opened the Coffin and instead of the body which was gone there was seen sitting therein a black Cat very lean and deformed setting of great Ruffs and frizling of Hair to the great fear and wonder of all the beholders and inâ—tance of Goâ—s displeasure against Pride and fantastical Curiosity Peter Stubs Anatomy of Abuses p. 44. The eighth day of February one thousand five hundred seventy eight eight Citizens of Swaben whose names were Adam Giebens George Kepel c. being the Lords day would needs go to a Tavern and so came to the house of one Anthony Hage a pious person early in the morning and called for store of all sorts of Wine The Host told them they should have none till Divine Service were past and counselled them to go to Church But they all except Adam Giebens told him they loathed that exercise And when the good Host would give them none and commanded his Servants they should not he went to Sermon They fell to Swearing and Cursing and wishing the Divel should break their necks if they went thence till they had Wine straightway the Divel in the shape of a young man appeared bringing in his hand a Flagon of Wine and demanding why they caroused not and drank to them saying Good Fellows be merry ye shall have Wine enough for you seem lusty lads and I hope you will pay me well who inconsiderately answered they would pay him or else they would gage their necks yea their bodies and Souls Thus they continued swilling till they could hardly see one another At last the Divel their Host told them they must pay the Shot whereat their hearts waxed cold But the Divel comforting them said Be of good Cheer for now you must drink boyling Lead Pitch and Brimstone with me in the pit of Hell for evermore Hereupon he made their Eyes like Flames of Fire and as broad as Saucers Then began they to call for mercy but it was too late and e're they could speak again the Divel prevented them brake their necks and threw horrible Flames of Fire out of their meâ—â—â—â— Thus all these except Adam Giebens who counselled them to hear the Sermon and gave an account of the whole passage miserably perished and are thus recorded as a terrible instance of Gods severe displeasure against prophane drunkards Stubs Anatomy p. 78. The fourth day of July one thousand five hundred and eighty two drunken Varlets called at an Inn and sate swilling so long in the Town of Nakershofew in Almain till they were as drunk as Swâ—aes Then one of them pouring forth Wine carowsed to his Fellow the other pledging him asked to whom he should drink quoth this Varlet drink to God This done he
could be done there but what was the Will of the heavenly Father and suddainly drawing one his Sword cut off his Brothers head which done while the company astonished were lamenting he ran forth into the street and cried The day of the Lord is at hand and that great things were done that Morning and the will of the heavenly Father was done The fact being divulged he was apprehended condemned and therefore justly executed Id. p. 124. A certain aged Inn keeper of a considerable estate who had only one child and that a daughter entertained a stranger into his service who was poor but industrious and having obtained the good VVill of his Masters daughter but being poor though otherwise respected by his Master could not gain her Fathers consent The Host wife and daughter going to the Baths left the administration of his House to him It happened the first night to come a Merchant whom he kill'd buried in the Stable sold his Horse and cloths and took all he had no one living besides himself conscious to it The Master returning found all things to his good content Not long after he shews his Master a Letter which he pretended was sent from his Friends which acquainted him that his Father was dead and they had sent him eighty Crowns to furnish him with Horse and other things for his Journey to look after what estate was left him He dâ—sired leave to go and tell his Master that he would not buy a Horse nor carry so much money with him but left it with his Master and said he would rather live in that City than any where else He goes returns and feigning things concerning what was left him he puts the rest of his stollen money into his Masters hands who hereby was perswaded to graâ—ifie his daughters desire and gave way for her to marry him and his Father in Law dying enjoyed all his goods and living in good repute for many years and arrived to the chiefest Magistracy in that City but being perpetually tormented with the terror of his own conscience being one day sitting amongst his brethren the Magistrates in judgement on a Murderer he having given his Sentence to the Condemnation of him he arose acquainted them with his Murder and Theft and desired the same Sentence to be passed against him They supposed him distempered with Melancholy but he replied That though they judged him innocent and as to other gross offences he was faultless yet of this he was guilty and if they would send they should find the bâ—nes of the Merchant in the Stable They sent found him so and condemned him who went most willingly to his Execution where with the other he was beheaded Otho Meland p. 128. A Silesian Noble man having inviâ—ed guests and the hour of Dinner come his provisions ready his Guests excused themselves at which being provoked to passion he brake forth into these Words Let all the Divels come if no man will This spoken he went to Church and heard the Preachers Sermon But being there behold the Guests he wisht for came in monstrous and strange shapes on Horse-back and bid a Servant of the Noble mans go tell his Master that his guests were come The Servant full of consternation goes to the Church acquaints his Master who consults the Minister and by his advice all his Family went forth of the House and forgot a Childe lying in the Cradle which they brought not with them The Divels began to keep revel-rout to look out of the VVindows in the shapes of Bears and VVolves of cats and men to hold forth the Cups of VVine and dishes of meats These when the neighbours and Minister and others saw Oh said the Father where is my poor infant Immediately one of the Divels took up the Childe in his Armes brought him to the VVindow and shewed it to them The amazed Noble man being sollicitous for the Child had a Servant that feared God whom he askt what he should doe the good Servant replied I will commit my life into Gods hand and in the name of God go in and by his help bring forth the child His Master bad him go and God go with thee and help thee and confirm thy courage The Minister and people praying to him the Servant went in and coming before the Chamber in which the Devils were he fell upon his knees and commended himself to God and opened the door and saw the Devils in horrible shapes sitting standing walking creeping and all running towards him cryed out Ho ho fellow what dost thou here He notwithstanding being encouraged by Divine assistance thus bespake the Devil that had the Child in his Armes Deliver me the Child To whom he answered No by no means the Child is mine bid thy Master come and fetch it himself To whom the Servant said I discharge the duty of my place in which God hath set me and know that what I do in my office will be acceptable to God And therefore by vertue of my office and by the help and in the name and power of Jesus Christ I take from thee this Infant and restore it to his Father and so took the Child and carried it from him They answered nothing but crying our Oh Knave Oh Knave leave the Child or we will tear thee in pieces he not regarding their threats came away and brought the Child safe to his Father The Devils after a few dayes disappeared and the whole family returned quietly into the House Otho Mel. p. 129. ex Sel. in Genesin When Tecelius came into Mesnia with the Popes Indulgences preaching in the Morning he promised his Auditors that in the afternoon he would shew them a most excellent and rare Relique to wiâ— a Quill of the Angel Michaels Wing which the Devil in the contest with him mentioned Rev. 12. pulled out The School-master of the place hearing this Impudent lye and dining with Tecelius at the Ministers House who having laid his case in which his Quill was in the VVindow the School-master took it out privily and filled the case with Coles Tecelius returning to Preach and magnificently speaking of his relique when he opened the case found the Quill gone and Coles in the Room The Devil helpt him at this loss to invent this lye Friends saith he I promised you to shew the Quill of St. Michaels wing but have mistaken the case and instead thereof have brought that in which are some of the Coles with which that glorious and blessed Martyr Saint Lawrence was broiled to death on a Gridiron Otho Melander Joca seria p. 184. About one hundred and thirty years since tâ—ere was in Hatzfeld in Hassia a bold and daring Taylor that having kill'd a Priest was excommunicated and forced to flee his Country he going to Rome for absolution from the Pope feigned that he had kill'd two and paying the price obtained the Popes letters of pardon for the murdering two Priests Returning with these home he made his