â—â—giunte aâ—le 〈…〉 p. 〈…〉 â—7â— 15â—8 some hâ—ld an honest man whilst others accuse him of no less thâ—n or underâ—â—and-dealings with the Turks into whose power they sâ—y â—e designed to deliver up the Kingdom And passing by also the troubles the said Ferdinand I received at hâ—s Election into the Empire by the Resignation of his Brother Charles V Pope Paul IV rejecting him and his Title alledging none to have power to resigne but into his hands and â—o be and not the Electors is to nominate nor would he at any time acknowledge him for Emperour though upon his death his Succâ—ssor Pius IV willingly admitted him for a lawful Emperor and what need Ferdinand or any other care whether the Roman Bishâ—p â—â—nsented or no it being no way necessary and the outside but a Complement But leaving these and suchlike beyond-Sea â—â—â—â—res let us come a little neerer home And first if we look upon Scotland we shall finde it a Kingdom miserably rent between two Factions the Puritan and Popish Of the insoleâ—eies of the first I have elsewhere treated nor can the latter excuse themselves from the same crimes if not worse by endeavouring to betray their King and Country to a forraign power and usurpation as may appear by these following Observations Here we finde Reigning King James VI a Prince made wise and wary by the several troubles he had run through The Spanâ—aâ—â—â— preparing his great Armado to invade England several 158â— Pâ—â—â—â—tâ— and Jesuites went into Scotland to get those people to assiâ— the designe And amongst the rest the Lord Maxwell was 〈◊〉 aâ—â—ive coming out of Spain and landing at Kirkudbright year 1588 in Galloâ—ay gather'd together some men but they were presently â—â—ppâ—â—st and himself taken and imprisoned The Lord Bothwell who troubled himself not much with this or that Religion having no ends but interest the Admiral of that Kingdom had also secretly listed many Souldiers giving out they were for the safety of the Nation Amongst others also Colonel a He afterwards lived a Pensiâ—â—â—r in Spain where he began the Foundation of a Scotch Semenarie intending to make his bastard Hugh Sempill whom he train'd up with the Jeâ—uites the Rectâ—â— oâ— it He was living there about the beginning of King Charles I his Reign and was very mallepert in the designes of his Spanish match James Wadsworth his English-Spanish Pilgrime cap. 7. pag. 61. Edit 2. Sempil who for some time had resided with the Duke of Parma having betray'd the Town of Lire to the Spaniards landed at Lieth with an intent to farther the plots but he by the mistrust of some papers was seiz'd on by Sir John Carmichael Captain of the Kings Guard but being rescued by the Earl of Huntley escaped the law But the hopes of the Romanists were quite blown away by the overthrow of the Spanish Fleet yet the Duke of Parma chears them up again by telling them of another Army and Fleet to be set out next Spring This good news he sends by Robert Bruce to the Earl of Huntly to be communicated to the rest of that Faction the chief of which was the Earl of Arrol the Lord Maxwell who call'd himself Morton the Earl of Crawford the Lord Claude Hamilton and suchlike And a little after Parma sent over ten thousand Crowns by John Chesholme Thus incouraged and also thrust on by Father Hay Father year 1589 Creighton and other Jesuites they resolved to undertake some noble act the better to credit themselves with Spain and Parma And nothing is thought better then to seize on the Kings person In this plot there was Montross Bothwell Crawford Arrol Huntley the Lairds of Kinfawns of Fintrie and others The design was laid to meet all at the Quarry-holes between Lieth and Edenbrough thence to go to a T is sometimes also call'd the Abbey 'T is the Kings Court at the East-end of Cannygate at Edinborough Halyrood house to seize on the King to kill the Chancellor and Treasurer and then they need not fear to carry all as they pleas'd But Huntley coming before the rest and suspected is imprison'd upon which the rest retire Montross and Crawford submit and ask pardon whilst Bothwell and Arrol are declared Traytors for refusing to come in upon summons Huntley is by the Kings favour set at liberty upon promise to be quiet for the future but in his going home in the North he meets with Crawford who joyn together again and fall upon the Treasurer then having joyn'd themselves with the Earl of Arrol they raise what forces they can and enter Aberdeen The King upon notice marcheth against them upon which the Lords are discouraged retreated and divided one from another at the b This day and action is call'd The Raid of the Brig of Dee Bridge of Dee The King thus victorious the Confederate Lords seeing no other safety submit themselves to the Kings Mercy and Tryal They are accused For practising with Jesuites and Seminary Priests and the receiving of Spanish Gold to hire Souldiers to disturb the Kingdom For entring into Bond and Covenant with the Earls of Arrol and Montross and others and treasonably to have surprised b Perth â— Now better known by the name of St. Johnstons with intent to keep it against the King For conspiring to take the King prisoner at Halyrud-house and to kill his Servants and Counsellors For besieging the house of Kirkhill firing it and forcing the Treasurer the Master of Glammis to yeild himself For summoning the Subjects by Proclamation falsly in the Kings name falsely giving out that he was a prisoner and desired them to set him at liberty For marching to the Bridge of Dee to fight and invade the King For taking the Kings Herald at Arms in Aberdeen spoiling him of his Coat and Letters when he was to proclaim them And that Bothwell for his part had hired Souldiers as well strangers as others with an intent to seise on Lieth in the Kings absence Upon tryal they are found guilty but the sentence by the Kings favour and warrant was suspended in the mean time they were imprisoned Bothwell in Tantallon Crawford in Blackness and Huntley in Edinborough Castle Now for the better and clearer discovery of their plots and designes for the King of Spain against their own King and Country take these following Letters Mr. Robert Brâ—ce the chief Agent his Letter to the Duke of Parma Governour in the Netherlands for the King of Spain My LORD MR. Châ—sholme arrived in this Country five days after his departure from you and with requisite diligence came to the Earl of Huntley in his own house at Dunfermeâ—â—ng where having presented to him your Highness Letters of the 13 of October he declared amply unto him the credit given him in Charge conformable to the tenour of the Letters from your Highness wherein they perceived your Highness great humanity and affection to the advancement of the glory of God in this Country
your own with money you may levie here Forces of this Countrie as freely as in Spain who will serve you no less faithfully then your own natural subjects And although we cannot without censure of presumption give your Majestie advice in your affairs in Spain yet in that which may concern your service here we may speak more freelie as being upon the place and knowing by ordinarie experience many things unknown to any of yours that are not here The over late arrival of your Armie in our Waters took from it the Commoditie to retire it self in such safetie as it might have done coming sooner by reason of the great Winds that are ordinarie here in Harvest as also lack of Pilots experienced upon the Coasts of England Scotland and Ireland appeareth to have bred great harm to the said Armie which we could have remedied concerning Scotland to have sent Pilots from hence if it had liked your Majestie to have served your self with them Likewise saving better advice it seems to us altogether unprofitable to fetch the Armie by Sea if it may be avoided for many causes And amongst others because such as shall have fought by Sea shall be unable being wearie to fight again by land against new Forces So the best should be to shift by one way or other for spâ—ring of your men and Vessels and so the English Forces staying upon the Sea unfought with shall be disappointed and shall not come in time to assist them that shall be assailed by land Afterwards sending hither a part of your forces before the other which should go the right way to England and that secretlie by the back of Ireland Your Majestie should compel the enemie to divide their Forces and it may be should cause them send the greatest part hither where we might make them believe the greatest part of your Forces were arrived at least should make them a a The Scotch Copy runs thus At leist sâ—ld caus thame diâ—g rnâ—is as â—â—â—ikle of England and dâ—aâ— a great 〈◊〉 of thâ—ir Forces quhilk wald resist c. weaken a good part of England and draw away a great part of their Forces which would resist your landing and invasion on that Coaest And we may well promise that having here 6000 of your men and money to aid others here we should within six weeks after their arrival be a good way within England to approach and assist the Forces which your Maiestie should cause to enter there The Knight William Sempil Colonel can shew your Majestie the whole to whom we leave it Also we have caus'd to be writ both before and since his departure our several suchlike advises by Mr. Robert Bruce causing them to be address'd to my Lord Duke of Parma to whom your Majestie referr'd us at the beginning of these affairs And seeing your Majestie is dulie advertised and informed we will conclude kissing most humblie your Majesties hands heartily praying God to grant you full accomplishment of all your holie enterprises Your Majesties most humble and most affectioned Servants Earl of Morton G. Earl of Huntley Claud Lord Hammiltoun In the name of the other Catholick Lords in Scotland From Edinborough this XXIV of January M D LXXXIX The King one might think had no reason to mistrust Huntley having not long before marryed him to a gallant Lady a Being Sister to the Duke of Lennox a kin to his Majesty and also got him to subscribe to the Confession of Faith then used by the Reformed in Scotland and confer'd many favours upon him But all this to no purpose he is yet a friend to Spain and sorry for his subscription as may appear by his Letter to the Duke of Parma thus My LORD I Have received from John Chesholme the Letters it pleased your Highness to write the XIII of October full of most Christian affection to the well-fare of our Cause for the which I give your Highness most humble thanks The support of ten thousand Crowns sent to that end is received by Mr. Robert Bruce which shall not be imploy'd but for help of the most urgent necessitie of the said Cause as it hath pleas'd your Highness to direct After the b b Or rather Escape in which he assisted departure of Colonel Sempil I found my self so beset on all hands and pressed in such sort by our King that it behooved me to yeild to the extremitie of time and subscribe with his Majestie not with my heart the Confession of their Faith or otherwise I had been forced immediatelie to have departed the Countrie or to have taken the fields by resisting his Forces and such as he might have drawn out of England to his aid which I could not have done especiallie then when by the returning of your Army into Spain all hope of help was taken from us But if on the one part I have erred by the apprehension of dangers that threatned my ruine I shall on the other part endeavour my self to amend my fault whereof I repent me with all my heart by some effect tending to the weal and advancement of the Cause of God who hath put me in such credit with his Majestie that since my coming to the Court he hath broke up his former Guards and caused me to establish others about his person of my men by means of whom and their Captains who are also mine I may ever be master of his person and your support being arrived spoil the Hereticks of his Authoritie to fortifie and assure our enterprises Whereupon I beseech your Highness to send me your advise and assure your self of my unchangeable affections in my former resolutions although the outward actions be forced to conform themselves sometimes to necessity of occasions as Mr. Robert Bruce will more amplie write unto your Highness to whom I farther remit my self Praying God having first kiss'd your Highness hand to give you accomplishment of your holie enterprises Your Highness most humble and affectionate Servant G. Earl of Huntley From Edinbrough this XXIV of January a a Bâ—th the Scotch and English Copy hath 1592. but by a mistake M D LXXXIX The Earl of Arrol being turn'd Romanist by the perswasions of Edmund Hay the Jesuit is also by the same reasons very zealous for the Spanish interest as appears by his Letter to the Duke of Parma thus My LORD SInce God of late by the clear light of his holie Catholick Faith hath châ—sed from my understanding the darkness of ignorance and errour wherein I have been heretofore nourished I have been as soon perswaded in acknowledging of so great an effect of his divine grace towards me that I am chieflie obliged to procure since I know the enterprises of his Catholick Majestie and your Highness tend principallie to that end as also the advancement of some b b â—â— it against their own King for the King of Spain or what else civil cause which hath verie great affinitie and conjunction with
ridiculous shadow without life or soul but as it received a being from Rome But leaving these we might tell you how a little after the English had got the Whim of a conditional Covenant and which is as bad Perjury For though they had sworn Allegiance to Maude Speed § 1 4 30. the Empress yet her they reject and swear a broken conditional subjection to Stephen Yet when they saw him a little downward then they cast him off and play the same conditional knack to the Empress Maude Sect. 2. The troubles of England by the arrogancie and obstinacie of Thomas à Becket against his Soveraign King Henry the Second HOwever waving these though treasonable enough we shall come to the next viz. King Henry the Second of part of whose Reign it will not be amiss to give some hints seeing so great a man as Thomas Becket is concerned in it whom some call Saint and Martyr whilst others allow him no better title than a Traytor But of this with all brevity This Thomas Becket was Son to one Gilbert Becket a Citizen of London and by the favour of Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury was made an Archdeacon in that See and was placed about the person of Henry then but Duke who coming to be King advanced him to be Lord High Chancellor of England and upon the death of the former Theobald made him Archbishop of Canterbury Having thus seen the great rise of Thomas by the Kings love grace and favour let 's now see how he lost the affection of King Henry For some time he thus lived in great repute with the King though Henry was a little troubled at the humour or design of Thomas to throw up his Chancellorship without acquainting him with it After this the Pope call'd a Council at Tours whither went the two Archbishops and several Bishops of England having first procured the Kings a Per missione Regis Matt. Paris an 1164 leave for going thither Where an ancient b Guil. Neubrig lib. 2. c. 16. Historian tells us that Thomas privately surrendred up his Archbishoprick to the Pope as if the Kings Nomination or Investiture had not been sufficient which was restored again by the Pope and so Thomas was cocksure of both Presentations and Authorities And probably this underhand-dealing and nulling of his jurisdiction might somewhat alienate the affection of Henry although c Baronius d An. 1163. § 29. will not allow of any such surrender at this time though for his dissent we must not be content onely with his word neither producing Reason or Authority for his so doing since 't is probable enough being thus back'd with the Testimony of Neubrigensis that Thomas might yeild it up now in his Prosperity for a farther confirmation and in his low condition do it also to procure pity and so make his party there the stronger against his King and Soveraign which was then his main design Add to these the strange Priviledges the Clergy boasted of by exempting themselves from all secular jurisdiction were the crime never so villanous insomuch that a Priest of the Diocess of Sarum having murder'd one Thomas had him deprived and placed in an Abbey that so he might not fall under greater punishment according to his desert by the Kings Justiciaries lest forsooth he should suffer twice for one fault And upon this last pretended Priviledge may we lay the Foundation of the following troubles For the King perceiving no signs of Peace and Tranquillity amongst his Subjects if this exception of the Clergy was permitted the people of that Coat having committed above an hundred Murthers in the short time he had yet Reigned was resolved that all the Clergy who were taken in any Robbery Murder Felony burning of Houses and the like should be tryed in Temporal Courts and suffer as well as Laymen Against this wholesome Law the Archbishop opposeth himself and will onely grant that Speed § 14. all Clergy-men so offending should be tryed in the Spiritual Courts and by men in Orders who if they were found guilty should for the first time onely be deprived of their Office and Benefice yet he granted that for the second time they might lye at the Kings pleasure as some think though d Baron an 1163. § 31. others confess that he would not allow them at any time to be delivered over to the Temporal Authority And for these irrational Priviledges Thomas was so resolute that at Westminster he openly opposed the King and got others to do so too which mightily incensed his Majesty but pleased Pope Alexander the Third to the purpose yet fearing their hearts might fail them he sends his incouraging lines into England commanding them by vertue of their obedience to stand firm for the Exemption of the Clergy nor at all to consent to the King and that if he or Baron an 1163. § 39 40. any of the rest had in these times promised obedience to the King not to keep such promises but all this did not much prevail For the King was resolved to have the Laws and Customs of his Ancestors kept up in full force and carryed his business so well that at last he had not onely the other Bishops of his opinion but Thomas also consenting who faithfully promised and sware to observe them And for their farther ratification and authority the King calls an Assembly at Clarendon in Wiltshire where the Bishops and Nobility meet him and John of Oxford sat as President But here Thomas for all his former promise at first absolutely falls off and denyeth consent to the Constitutions though at last he was so far worked upon one way or another that he there publickly sware that in the word of a Priest and sincerely he would observe them to the King and his Heirs for ever But when the King would have him to Subscribe and Seal to them as the other Bishops had done he absolutely refused and retracted what he had formerly sworn The Constitutions in all were sixteen but those which Thomas opposed were such as these That Priests guilty of Felony Murther c. should be tryed before the Secular Judges That it should not be lawful for any Archbishop or Bishops to depart the Kingdom and go to the Pope upon his summons without the Kings License That no Bishops should Excommunicate any holding of the King in Capite or put any other of his Officers under interdict without the Kings License or information to the Judge That if the Archdeacon cannot decide the Controversie they may go to the Bishop and from him to the Archbishop and lastly â—â— the King so that none shall appeal to the Pope of Rome for any cause whatsoever without the Kings License c. These and suchlike were approved of at Clarendon by all onely Thomas excepted who thought himself to have sinn'd so grievously for the former consenting to them that by way of Penance he suspended himself from his Priestly Function but
Edwards bloud Refuse to fear I think it good All which being written without any Point or Comma carries a double sence like the Pagan Oracles either to kill or save Edward by which means the knavish Bishop could interpret it for his own vindication if he were questioned for it Gurney and Maltravers receive the direction and interpret it according as it was desired and so they bend their studies to procure his Murther Once they indeavoured to stifle him by the stench of Carkasses and suchlike Carrion smell but that failing they went a sure way to work for one night they assisted with some fifteen other villains rush'd into his chamber he being in bed and with many Feather-beds and Tables laid upon him they smothered him and for more sure work and torment they thâ—ust an hot piece of Iron into his bowels through a certain instrument like a Glyster-pipe in at his fundament and that instrument they used that no wound might be found upon him As for the Murtherers they found contrary to their expectations Isabel and the Bishop of Hereford their mortall enemies construing their directions for the preservation of the King by which means they indeavoured to vindicate themselves to the people but Gurney and Maltravers being thus overpower'd by their own Patrons fled for it Such another like double-meaning sentence as this are we told of concerning Gertrude Queen of Hungary and Mother to S. Elizabeth Jo. Fox Mon. Tom. 1 pag. 348. so famous amongst the Germans Reginam interficere nolite timere bonum est si omnes consenserint non ego contradico To kill the Queen will ye not to fear it is good and if all men consent thereunto yet not I I my self doe stand against it And these devillish knaveries and double dealings possibly took their first thoughts from suchlike delusions as these of the Pagan Oracles let Satan or Man be the inventor and speaker Ibis redibis nunquam per bella peribis Thus Croesus that wealthy King of the Lydians was ruined by trusting to this Oracle Croesus Halyn penetrans magnam pervertit opum vim as Iyrrhus King of Epire was by this of Apollo Aio te Aeacide Romanos vincere posse But to leave Heathen Fables let us return to Romanish Rebellions Sect. 2. The deposing and death of King Richard the Second ANd here passing by King Edward III so famous in Wars and that impudent Rebellion of Wat Tylor Jack Straw and such-like beggerly Villains in King Richard II's time a Prince unfortunate to be left to rule very young and under bad counsel which brought him into some inconveniencies in his after-Reign which procured him the ill will of many whereby he was made more capable of loosing not onely his Kingdom but his life For having Reigned some twenty two years and whilst he was in Ireland in quelling the Rebellion there Henry Bullenbrook Duke of Hereford and Lancaster landed in York-shire whither most of the Nobility and Bishops flockt to him raiterously owning him as their Lord and to make his way more easie Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury preached to the people against King Richard and which Rebellion never can want shew'd a Bull procured Stow p. 3â—0 from Rome promising remission of sins to all those who should aid the said Henry against King Richard for which treason year 1339 they should be placed in Paradise Brave Papal Doctrine from the Infallible Tripos of the Romish Bishop who is priviledged with an unerring spirit By suchlike irreligious tricks as these the Duke increased to an hundred thousand strong seizeth upon the King who upon this news was return'd out of Ireland hath him up to London where a Parliament being call'd he is overperswaded to resign his Crown which the Duke claimeth and hath it The Archbishop J. Haywardes Hist Hen. IV. pag. 96. 1 Sam. 9. 17. Behold the man whom I spake to thee of this same shall reign over my people of Canterbury making a Sermon upon this Text Henry being Crown'd King Richard was removed to Pontfract in York-shire where he dyed some hint as if for grief he pined away others that every day he had good cheer set before him but not permitted taste of it but the common Opinion is that and by the desire and hints too of Henry he was murdered violently by b Spond an 1â—99 § 8. Wâ—ll â—â—xâ—on coâ—â—â—uat of Polycion lib. ult cap 9. Weapons the wicked Author of which they say to be Sir Pierâ— of Exton a Knight and favourite of Henries However it was for diversion sake take it thus from the Poems of Samuel Daniel one held to be very knowing in our English Histories and Antiquities c The Wars of York and Lancâ—â—ter Book II. § 99. And now the whilst d King Râ—chard II and his Queen Isabel meeting together and lameâ—ting their conditions these Princes sorrowed Forward ambition came so near her end Sleeps not nor slips th' occasion offered T' accomplish what he did before intend A Parliament is forthwith summoned In Richards name whereby they might pretend A form to grace disorders and to show Of holy right the right to overthrow 100. And could not Majesty be ruined But with the fearful power of her own name And must abus'd obedience thus be led With powerful Titles to consent to shame Could not Confusion be established But Form and Order must confirm the same Must they who his Authority did hate Yet use his stile to take away his State 101. Order how much predominant art thou That if but onely thou pretended art How soon deceiv'd mortality doth bow To follow thine as still the better part 'T is thought that reverent Form will not allow Iniquity or Sacred Right pervert Within our souls since then thou dwel'st so strong How ill do they that use thee to do wrong 102. So ill did they that in this formal course Sought to establish a deformed right Who might as well effected it by force But that men hold it wrong what 's wrought by might Offences urg'd in publick are made worse The shew of Justice aggravates despight The Multitude that look not to the Cause Rest satisfi'd so it be done by Laws 103. And now doth Envy Articles object Of Rigor Malice private favourings Exaction Riot Falshood and neglect Crimes done but not to b' answered by Kings Which Subjects may complain but not correct And all these faults which Lancaster now brings Against a King must be his own when he By urging others sins a King shall be 104. For all that was most odious was devis'd And publish'd in these a 32. or 38. Articles abroad All th' errors of his youth were here compriz'd Calamity with Obloquie to load And more to make him publickly despiz'd Libels Invectives Rayling Rimes were sow'd Among the Vulgar to prepare his fall With more applause and good consent of all § § § 107. Vpon these Articles in Parliament So heinous made inforc'd and urg'd so
out and thrown in also lastly his head was cut off and fixt upon the most eminent place of the City and his body divided and parts of it sent to the chief places in the Kingdom As for Robert Graham he was thus punished a Gallows was raised in a Cart then he had his right-hand nailed to it and so drawn along the streets whilst the Executioners with burning Pincers tâ—re pieces from his Shoulders Thighs and suchlike fleshy places which were farthest from his Vitals thereby to keep him the longer alive and in greater pain yet did these terrors bring little repentance to him as may be ghâ—st by his impious answer for being asked during all these tortures How he durst lay hands on his Prince made this Reply That if he had Heaven and Hell at his choice he durst leap out of Heaven and all the joys there into the flaming bottom of Hell At last having all his flesh almost pull'd off his Heart and Intrails were thrown into the fire his Head stuck up and his Quarters sent to several places for a terror to others And here I shall hastily pass by the unfortunate Raign of King James III how his own Subjects covenanted against him confined or forced him to Edinbourgh Castle and at last came to open Battel against him at Bannoch-Burn not far from Sterlin where his Army being beaten he was after in cold blood murdered in the Mill but whether this abominable murther was done by Patrick Lord Gray Robert Sterling of Keer or Andrew Borthwick a Priest or all of them must be left as their Histories hath it uncertain Sect. 4. The deaths of Henry the Sixth and Edward the Fifth Kings of England BUt leaving Scotland here might I treat of the miseries of England at the same time of the long but unfortunate Raign of good Henry VI of his dethronement and which was worst of his year 1471 murther in the Tower of London as the common opinion goeth by a Bacons Hist Hen. VII pag. 2. Richard Duke of Glocester afterwards call'd Richard the III. Though Mr. b Hist Rich. III. pag â—0 Spondan calls him a Martyr an 1471. § 6. Buck of late would deny the fact and clear the said Richard from this and all other imputations laid to him by all other Historians The body of this King Henry was carryed to Chertsey in Surrey and there buryed in the Monastery belonging to the Benedictines And 't is said that many Miracles have been done at his grave above two hundred of which was gather'd into one c Vâ—d Harâ—sfield Hist Eccles p. 595. Volume nor was there any disease but they say was cured by him Blind Lame Dumb Kings-evil and what not And as if these were not enough they make him cure another Miracle viz. a Woman that used to go with Childe above d Ib. p. 596. two years Richard III envying the fame of Henry if we may believe King * Spelman Concil tom 2. pag. 71â— Henry VII removed the Corps from Chertsey to the Chappel of Windsor where he was also worshipped by the name of Holy King Henry and here they say that his Red-velvet-Hat e Stow pag. 424. heal'd the Head-ach of such as put it on their heads there his body rested for a time but now his Tomb being taken thence it is not commonly known what is become of his body 'T is true King Henry VII had a desire to have it removed to Westminster to which purpose the Abbot desired the f Spelâ— Concil pag. 712 71â— consent of Pope Alexander VI. King Henry VII also desired to have this Henry VI Canonized to which purpose he wrote to the said Alexander who gave the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Durham g Spelm. pag. 720. Authority to inquire into his Miracles and Life Nor did Henry VII cease here but Alexander dying he sollicited h Harpsfield pag. 594. Julius II very earnestly and some think that had the King lived a little longer he had obtain'd his request But this I shall leave with these words of Edward Hall These and other like Offices of Holiness Ed. Halâ—'s Châ—on fol. 223. b. caused God to work miracles for him in his life-time as old men said By reason whereof King Henry VII not without cause sued to July Bishop of Rome to have him Canonized as other Saints be but the fees of the Canonizing of a King were so great a quantity at Rome more then the Canonizing of a Bishop or a Prelate although he sate in St. Peters Chair that the said King thought it more necessary to keep his money at home for the profit of his Realm and Country rather then to impoverish his Kingdom for the gaining of a new Holy-day of St. Henry remitting to God the judgement of his will and intent And here passing by the cruel death of the young Innocent Prince Edward eldest Son to this King Henry VI in cold bloud after the fight at Tewkes-bury I might come to Edward V and shew how he was deposed by his Uncle Richard by means of his wicked Instruments Stafford Duke of Buckingham Dr. John Shaw Brother to Edmond Shaw Gold-smith then Lord Mayor of London and suchlike and from this I might lead you to the making away of the said young Innocent Prince Edward and his Brother by the means of the said Richard III but because all Histories will not exactly agree upon the manner how I shall refer you to the Chronicles themselves where the juggle if not the murthers may be seen at large Sect. 5. The troubles in Spain and the miseries of Don Henry the Fourth King of Castile and Leon by reason of his proud and rebellious Nobility IF we look into Spain we shall finde those Territories miserably wasted by Tumults and Rebellions we might see how the young King of Castile Henry III was so neglected by his proud and L. de Mayâ—â—â— Hist d' 〈◊〉 liâ— 18 19 20 21. greedy Nobility who pocketed up his Revenues that once he was forced to pawn one of his Robes for two Shoulders of Mutton to help out his Supper And we might see their Rebellions against his Son King John II whose troublesome Reign might be an Item to Kings to beware of confiding in and favouring too much one Subject by the neglect of the rest And the unhappy end of the Constable Don Alvaro de Luna may be a caution to the greatest favourites in their carriage for Kings at last in whose protection lyeth their greatest safety may be perswaded to leave them to Justice and then no mercy can be expected from the solong-abused Law and People But proceed we to greater troubles and misfortunes then these This King John II had by his First wife Maria of Arragon HENRY IV King of Castile and Leon. Leonora Catharine dyed young Second Wife Isabel of Portugal Daughter to D. Jean Master of S. Jago Son to John I. King of Portugal Alphonso whom
make the Peace more sure and durable all former Leagues Plots Actions especially those of the 12th and 13th days of May last at Paris done by the Guisards and their Party are pardon'd and forgot as if they had never been done HENRY At Rouen 15 July 1588. By the King in his Council Publish'd in the Parlement at Paris Publish'd by sound of Trumpet by the Crier Visa * * Afterwaâ—ds better kâ—own by the name of Villeroy De Neufville Du Tillet T. Lauvergnat Thus we see how careful some were to have this Agreement ratified published and confirmed But this was not all for besides this two Armies must be rais'd and paid against the Huguenots one commanded by the King the other by the Duke of Mayenne the Leaguing Lords are to retain for six years the Cities and Fortresses granted them 1585 and that Orleans Dourlans Bourges and Montereau should be added to them the Duke of Guise to command all the Forces in the Kingdom that in October next the States General should be held at Blois and several such like advantages were granted to the Leaguers Upon which Guise waits upon the King and none seem so kind as those two but it was but from the teeth outward of which we are told one story how the King at dinner ask'd the Duke to whom they should drink To whom you please quoth Guise then said the King Let us drink to our Journal Aoâ—st 12. 1588. good friends the Huguenots 'T is well said Sir replied the Duke Yea added the King and to all our good Barricadors at Paris to which Guise yielded a counterfeit smile not well pleas'd that the King should compare the Barricadors with the Huguenots And now behold the greatest wonder that Toute la Cour fut veue habillée à l' Espagnole le long Estoc à la garde Crossée à l' Espagnole les grosse chausses les jartieres houpées le pourpoint collé sur le corps la grande fraize bien godronnée la Monstache la barbe le chappeau à l' Espagnole tout leur parles Espagnol Rodomontades Espagnoles bref vous eussiez dict qu' en ce temps la le François avoit en horreur mispris de parler se dire François qu' on luy faisoit tort de ne l'appeller Espagnol Andre Favin Hist de Navarre p. 940. ever yet happened in France The whisking Monsieur converted to a grave Don all the Court clad after the Spanish garb a long Tuck with a cross-bar'd Hilt great Trunckbreeches tufted Garters strait and close Doublet a great high-set Ruff staring Mustachoes with Beard and Hat after the Castilian mode all they speak is Spanish and that Rodomontadoes too insomuch that one might think that now Monsieur was asham'd or scorn'd to speak his own language or call himself a Frenchman nay would take it in snuff not to be thought a Spaniard Such an esteem and love had the Castilian got amongst the people for his assisting them in their wicked League and Covenant against their King and Soveraign And by this also appeared not onely the Boldness but Authority and Power of the Guisian Faction to whose caprichioes and Interest the Royalists were thus forced to submit and truckle Guise thus having all sway and glory the better to advance his Reputation Pope Sixtus V. sendeth him long Congratulatory Letters giving him many thanks for his Zele and Actions comparing him to the old Maccabees bidding him go on as he had begun and telling him that he would send a Legat into France to assist at the approaching States which Letters were spread abroad by the Leaguers in great triumph to the no small discredit and regret of the King who in these Papal Commendations and Blessings had no share nor taken notice of and such Pontifical Neglects used to be the Forerunner of Laying aside or Cutting off Well the Assembly of the States General meet at Blois the major part 16 Octob. 1588. being Covenanters by which Guise was so strengthened that 't is thought that he at least aim'd at the same Authority that the ancient Major-domes had in France whereby the King would be but a mere Cypher whilest the Duke might make himself King when he pleas'd So to gratiate himself with the people and remove all obstacles he proposeth that Taxes and Impositions might be lessened which was thought irrational seeing at the same time he will have the war vigorously carried on against the Huguenots yet he gain'd his desires Then he moveth that the Council of Trent might be received but this is denied by most as contrary to the Liberties of the Gallican Church But which was the main of all he proposeth that the King of Navarre and his Relations as Hereticks shoul'd be declar'd uncapable of Succession which was presently granted him by the Three Estates but it was not so recâ—ived by the King who though he was forc'd to consent to it in dubious and general terms yet told them that he would think further of it and would take care himself to have the Decree drawn up But before this Navarre understanding their designs had at an Assembly at Rocâ—el fram'd a Protestation pronouncing all their Votes and Actions against him and his Right null as being no stubborn Heretick willing to submit to a General Council and to be instructed that the States were not free nor full and that they could not justly condemn him before they heard him Whilest these Proposals were vexing the King news is brought that Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy had seiz'd on the little Marquessate of Saluzzo towards the head of Po in Italy who had also pretended a right to it end so took advantage at the Kings Expulsion out of Paris and these French Troubles though at this time he pretended a necessity viz. that otherwise the Huguenots from Dauphine would have taken it and Favyn p. 93â— others suppose that he wanted not assurance from the Leaguers However it was the Kings jâ—alousie and anger did daily increase and 't is said that here Guise expresly refus'd though commanded to Ant. Colynet p. 303 304 305 306. swear Allegeance to the King saying He would not and if he offended they might punish him But this is not so bad as a further design plotted by him and his Complices which they say was to take away the Kings life of which 't is said the King had private Information In short the Spond § 18. King considering what Favours the House of Guise had received from the French Crown yet how many Rebellions he had rais'd against him Hist des dâ—râ—iers troubles de France l. 4. fo 142 143 144 152 158. what Combinations he had made against him and the Crown with the very Enemy to both viz. the Spaniard that for all his outward pretensions for Religion yet he had made secret Overtures to joyn with Navarre how he had beaten and driven him from his Royal
presumed to absolve Navarre though they alledged it was but ad futuram Cautelam reserving his Obedience and Acknowledgment to the Pope which he now rendred him The Duke and Prelats seeing nothing to be done depart the City and go to Venice In the mean time Mayenne carrieth on his designs sends into Spain desiring that their Infanta might be married to his eldest son but the Legat is mad at him for spoiling the cause by crossing the Promotion of Guise nor had the Spaniards any great kindness for him perceiving that he favour'd and made use of them only for his own advantage Besides these the League was now also somwhat weakned by the Ambitious thoughts of the Duke of Nemours who thinking to canton out or make himself absolute Lord or Prince of Lyon where he was Governour and the Territories adjoyning was by Mayenne's Directions turn'd out of the City and Government by which affront as his Brother in law Nemours thought it was one grand prop of the Covenant was thus discontented and laid aside Upon which Mayenne and Guise thus conceiving their own Relations and Confederates to ploâ— against them thought it behoved them to be more cunning and wary and so they joyn more strictly together for the more sure preservation of themselves Family and Faction CHAP. IX The Several Plots of Pierre Barriere against the King Paris yielded Charles to the King Chastel stabs the King in the Mouth Ridicove a Friar sent to kill the King WHILST the Leaguers as aforesaid were grievously perplext year 1593 by their own Jealousies Divisions and the Kings Conquests the Murther of his Majesty his life being the main Obstacle to the Covenant is zealously contrived There was one Pierre Barriere or la Bar first a Boatman in Orleance and after a trusty Souldier for the Solemn League and Covenant he some way or â—her instigated took up a Resolution to kill the King thinking thereby to do God good service and meritoriously to make his way more easie for Heaven their Preachers from the Pulpit having continually thundted into the peoples ears the lawfulness and gallantry of such an Action His design he communicateth to some Friers who incourage him in it then he must needs reveal it to Seraphino Banchi a Florentine Dominican then living in Lyon Banchi honestly abhorring the Faâ—â— discovereth it to le Sieur de Brancabeon a servant of the Queen Dowagers and sheweth him the fellow to the end he might use his direction in informing the King Barriere resolved on his business goeth to Paris conferreth about the business with Christopher Aubre Curat of S. Andre des Arcs or en Laas who seem'd well pleased with the noble Resolution made the fellow drink telling him That he should gain by that Act both great Glory and Paradice and so sendeth him for further Instructions to Ambrose Varade about three weeks before chosen Rector of the Jesuits Colledge Varade entertaineth him friendly telling him that the Enterprise was most holy and that with good Constancy and Courage he should Confess himself and receive the blessed Sacrament Then led him to his Chamber gave him his blessing received the Sacrament in the Colledge of the Jesuits and was confest also by another Jesuit by Varade's Order The Villain thus encouraged buyeth a Knife for Eighteen pence a lusty knife with a blade some seven inches long edged both ways with a long Poyniards Point Thus prepared he went to St. Denysâ— where the King then was watching opportunity to give the blow but prevented there he followed him to Fort Gournay then to Bricontrez Robert where he confess'd again and communicated with Thomas Boucher whether akin to Jean I know not the Curate of that place here the year 1594 King passed by and escaped him as he was drawing out his knife so losing that opportunity he followed His Majesty to Melun whither Brancalâ—on being come and seeing the fellow he is discovered and taken and carried to prison where he desired of Anne Rousse the Gaolers wife some poison Being examin'd confess'd all is condemn'd led to the 31 August Scaffold in the Market-place where he further confesseth that two Black Fâ—iars went from Lyon also upon the same design so his right Hand is burned in a flaming Fire his Arms Legs and Thighs broken so put upon the wheel and strangled the next day his body was consumed to ashes and they thrown into the River The King now goeth on prosperously taking several places and others yielding freely to him which success troubled not a little the Covenanters year 1594 But to keep up their hearts the Nuncio put forth a * 27 Jan. Declaration exhorting all the Catholicks to unite and oppose Navarre telling them that the Pope will not absolve him nor admit of his Absolution that the Duke of Nevers is disreguarded at Rome his Embassie is despised by the Pope that they owe no obedience to the King his Conversion being but a Cheat and himself not received into the bosom of the Church In the mean time Aix in Provence yields to the King to the great trouble of Gilbert Genebrard the Hebrician and Chronologer who the year before had this Archbishoprick given him for his great zeal to the League by Pope Gregory XIV and so vext was this old Covenanter at the reâ—â—ition of this place that he forthwith departed the City scorning to breathe amongst such Royallists Mayenne having sought help from Pope Spaniard and every where else and now growing jealous of Count de Belin his Governour of Paris he removed him putting in his room Count de Brissac and so marcheth out to try his fortune in other places Brissac having thus Paris under his command thought it best to consult his own advantage by making peace with the King whom he saw to carry all Whilest this Capitulation went secretly on the King had himself crown'd at Chartres by Nicholas de Thou Bishop of that City 27 Feb. and for his Sacreeing or Anointing because Rheims was possest by the Covenanters and so they could not procure the Sancte Ampoule or holy Vial of Oyl of which their Legends talk much they had recourse to that kept in the Abby * Monastâ—riâ—m majoris Monaste ii de Marmonstier near Tours which they say was brought from Heaven by an Angel †Pâ—g 57. Gononus saith the Virgin Mary to cure the broken bones of St. Martin the Archbishop of that City For the Ceremonies of this Coronation I shall refer you to a Hist de Nâ—vâ—â— c. Andre Pavyn b Le Cerimonial de â—ranc Theodore Godefroy and the story of it was the same year printed in French as also in English Well the Trâ—aty is concluded about the delivering up of Paris Brissac upon feigned excuses sendeth out of the City the Souldiers he could not confide in then having prepared all things for the best the King and his Forces are secretly let into Paris the Souldiers and Citizens upon notice 22
themselves about this Succession And seeing Experience had told them That their Clergy had a great awe and authority over the Laity so it was best then to have all their Clergy to be of the same mind and to prosecute the same Ends and they hoped that their Laity would not then be divided To which purpose they conclude of an Arch-Priest who should have a Jurisdiction over the rest who were to act according to his Rules and Instructions And in these Designs Father Parsons was a main Stickler and Contriver the Pope also had drawn up some Bulls and sent to his Nuncio in the Netherlands to divulge and spread them abroad at convenient time wherein he declared That not any though never so near in * Quantum cunque propinquitate sanguinis niterentur nisi ejusmodi essent qui fidem Catholicam non modo tolerarent sed omni ope ac studio promoverent more Majorum jurejurando se id praestituros susciperent c. Bull. Clement VIII blood should after Q. Elizabeths death be admitted to the Crown but such an one as would not only tolerate the Roman Religion but would swear to promote and resettle it and that in the mean time Cardinal Farnese might in this Island have the greater Vogue the Pope made him Protector of England as he was of other Countreys Nay rather than fail the same Pope had * 1597. D'Ossat Let. 87. formerly exhorted the French and Spaniard to unite invade England and divide it between them Nor did they neglect to instigate the Family of the Pools to have a right Yet for all these Attempts and other Endeavours of the Jesuits Winter Desmond and such like who plotted His Exclusion upon the death of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth he was proclaimed and received as the undoubted King James I. of England but of Scotland VI. However no sooner is he set in the Throne but an odd medley-Plot is agitated against him composed of such variety of Religions and Interests that it seemed to puzzel the World that such a wise man as Raleigh should be in it but that they knew Discontent would thrust a daring Spirit upon any thing to satisfie it self The main Ingredients of this Conspiracy were Henry Brook Lord Cobham seem'd to be Protestants George Brook his Brother Thomas Lord Gray of Wilton a Rank Puritan William Watson the Author of the Quodlibets where he rants dapperly against the Jesuits for their Treasons and Plots Romish Priests William Clark who had writ against Father Parsons for the same Crimes Sir Griffin Markham a Zealous Romanist Sir Walter Raleigh a States-man and Soldier and troubled with no more Religion than would serve his Interest and turn Count Arembergh Ambassador from the Arch-Duke of Austria Zealous Romanists Matthew de Lawrencie a Merchant but an Instrument employed by Arembergh And some other such like Their Designs were To set the Crown on the Lady Arabella or to seize on the King and make him grant their desires and a Pardon To have a Toleration of Religion To procure Aid and Assistance from Forreign Princes To turn out of the Court such as they disliked and place themselves in Offices Watson to be Lord Chancellor George Brook Lord Treasurer Sir Griffin Markham Secretary of State Lord Gray Master of the Horse and Earl-Marshal of England For more security Watson draweth up an Oath of Secrecy But all is discovered they are seiz'd on examined and tryed The two Priests plead James is not King because not then Crown'd But that excuse is declared idle most of them are found guilty and condemned Watson Clark and George Brook were executed the rest reprieved Gray dyed in the Tower the last of his Line Raleigh was beheaded 1618. the rest discharged of Imprisonment but dyed miserably poor Markham and some others abroad but Cobham as we are * Oshorn's Traditional Memoires of K. James p. 12 told in a Room ascended by a Ladder at a poor Womans House in the Minories formerly his Landress dyed rather of Hunger than a natural Disease I need not here speak how their * Respons ad Edictum Reg. § â—6 Card. Allen's Answer to the Execut. of Justice p. 185. Priests endeavoured to amuse the people with what Troubles there would be at the death of Elizabeth nor how to alienate the Crown they published to stir up many Titles and Pretenders divers Pamphlets as Lesley Heghington Creswell Crag a Scotch Jesuit but his Book was burnt and never printed And we are told That the Jesuits were entreated to * Is Casaubon Epist ad Front Ducaum assist in this Plot but they desired to be excused as having another Design in their thoughts which some think was meant of the Gun-powder-Treason And to all these Contrivances Father Parsons was no bad wisher OF this Parsons seeing he then made such a noise in the world and § 11. § is by those of his Order commended as one of the most holy men of his time whilst others though Romanists will look upon him no otherwise than the greatest Villain then living in the world I shall say something here the better to inform Posterity 'T is true the Industrious Dr. Thomas James almost LX. years ago undertook to write his Life and therein to set down nothing but what the Priests and Romanists themselves writ of him which accordingly he did but it containing more of Satyre than History I shall make little or no use of that Collection now so rarely to be met with for they were all bought up by the Jesuits themselves it is call'd THE JESVITS DOWNF ALL. Some Romanists have boldly asserted Parsons to have been a Bastard begotten by the Parson of the Town Stockgursee in Somersetshire and therefore call'd Parsons though they say his right name was * Or Cubhuck A. P. A Reply to a Libel call'd A brief Apol. p. 324. Cowback and this hath been in a manner generally believed But to do him what right I can I shall not be unwilling to allow here some mistakes as to the place and though upon enquiry I am informed that those Parish-Records are now lost whereby I cannot satisfie my self as well as Manifestation of folly f. 89 I would yet I shall in part be guided herein by himself and other Enquiries He was born at Nether-Stowey in Somersetshire a Vicarage in the year 1546. His Father a Blacksmith was once an Enemy to Rome but was as they say reconciled to that Church by Alexander Briant who was executed and his Mother dyed at London in the same perswasion They had XI Children this Father Parsons being the middlemost He was Dr. Sutclyf's Blessing on Mount Gerizzin p. 220 288. instructed in the Latin Tongue by John Hayward or Haywood once a Monk or Canon-Regular of the Abbey of Torr who came out of Devonshire to be Vicar of Stowey he was held a notable Twinger and suspected as kind enough with Parsons Mother lying at her House Thus fitted