our welfare it self Opinion governs the World Princes with their Majesty may be oâ—t envied and haâ—ed without it they are always scorned and contemned Circumstances are often more than the main and shadows are not always shadows Outward Esteem to a great Person is as skin to Fruit which though a thin cover preserveth it King Henry's Person and State did England more Right in a Year than his Predecessors Arms in an Age while they onely impressed a resolution in the Neighbours he a reverence As the Reason of man corrâ—cting of his sense about the mâ—gnitude and distance oâ— heavenly bodies is an argument that he hath an Inorganical Immaterial Impassible and Immortal soul so this Gentlemans Conscience often reflecting upon his policy about the Circumstances of many of his actions was an argument that he was â—uled by holy serious and heavenly Principles One effect whereof was that he desired rather the admonishing paines of a lingring death than the favourable ease of a quick one he reckoning it not an effect of cruelty but a design of mercy that he should dye so ut sentiat se mori and he looked on nothing as so great a snare to his thoughts as the opinion of Origen and some otheâ—s called merciful Doctors who did indeavour to possess the Church with their opinion of an universal restitution of all Creatures to their pristine Estate after sufficient purgation or any thing more a temptation to other mens souls than the Blasphemy of some making God the Author of good and evil so much worse than the Manichees or Marcionites as they held it not of their good God whom they called Light but of their bad God whom they called Darkness As Princes govern the People so Reason of State the Princes Spain at that time would command the Sea to keep us from the Indies and our Religion to keep us from a Settlement France suspected our Neighbourhood and engaged Scotland the Pope undermined our Designs and obliged the French Sir Anthony at Rome in respectful terms and under Protestation that his Majesty intended no contempt of the See Apostolick or Holy Church intimated his Masters Appeal to the next General Council lawfully assembled exhibiting also the Authentick Instruments of the same and the Archbishop of Canterbury's at the Consistory where though the Pope made forty French Cardinals yet our Agent and his money made twelve English and taught Francis to assume the power of disposing Monasteries and Benefices as King Henry had done advising him to inform his Subjects clearly of his proceedings and unite with the Princes of the Reformation taking his Parliament and People along with him and by their advice cutting off the Appeals to and Revenues of Rome by visitations c. with a Praemunire together with the Oath of Supremacy and the publication of the prohibited Degrees of Marriages He added in his Expresses That his Majesty should by disguised Envoys divide between the Princes and the Empire The next sight we have of him is in Scotland the French Kings passage to England as he calls it Where in joynt Commission with the Earl of Southampton and the Bishop of Durham he with his variety of Instructions gained time until the French King was embroyled at home the season of Action was over there and the Duke of Norfolk ready to force that with a War which could not be gained by Treaty Fortune is like the Market where many times if you can stay a little the Price will fall The ripeness and unripeness of the Occasion must be well weighed Watch the â—eginning of an Action and then speed Two â—hings make a compleat Polititian Secresie in Councel and Celerity in Execution But our Knights Prudence was not a heavy Wariness or a dull caution as appears by his preferment at Court where he is Master of the Horse and his service in the North where he and the Comptroller Sir Anthony Gage are in the head of 10000 men In both these places his excellence was more in chusing his Officers and Followers than in acting himself His servants were modest and sober troubling him with nothing but his business and expecting no higher conditions than countenance protection and recommendation and his Retainers peaceable reserved close plain and hopeful the deserving Souldier and the promising were seen often at his gate not in throngs to avoid popularity Equal was his favour that none might be insolent and none discontented yet so diâ—creetly dispensed as made the Preferred faithful and the Expectants officious To be ruled by one is soft and obnoxious by many troublesome to be advised by few as he was is safe because as he said in some things out of his element the Vale best discovereth the Hill Although he understood not the main matter of War yet he knew many of its falls and incidents his prudence being as able to lay a stratagem as others experience was to embattail an Army Sir Thomas Wharton Warden of the Marches he commands with 300 men behind an Ambush whither he draws the rash Scots and overthroweth them more with the surprize than his power taking the Lord Admiral Maxwel c. who was committed to his custody and putting that King to so deep a melancholy that he died upon it His death suggests new counsels and Sir Anthony watcheth in Scotland to gain hiâ— Daughter for our Pâ—ince or at least to prevent the French whom Sir Wilâ—iam Paget watcheth there as Sir Ralph Sadler did in Rome and Sir Iohn Wallâ—p at Calais and when that Kings design was discovered we find our Knight with Charles Duke of Suffolk Lieutenant-General Henry Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel Lord General Will. Paulet Lord St. Iohn Stephen Bishop of Winchester with a rich and strong Army expecting the King before Montrevil whâ—ch they took with Boulogn and forcing the French to a Peace and Submission that secured England and setled Europe Three things facilitate all things 1. Knowledg 2. Temper 3. Time Knowledge our Knight had either of his own or others whom he commanded in what ever he went about laying the ground of matters always down in writing and debating them with his friends before he declared himself in Council A temperance he had that kept him out of the reach of others and brought others within his Time he took always driving never being driven by his business which is rather a huddle than a performance when in haste there was something that all admired and which was more something that all were pleased with in this mans action The times were dark his carriage so too the Waves were boysterous but he the solid Rock or the well-guided Ship that could go with the Tide He mastered his own passion and others too and both by Time and Opportunity therefore he died with that peace the State wanted and with that universal repute the States-men of those troublesome times enjoyed not By King Henry's Will he got a Legacy of 300 l. for his former Service and the
Marriage with Queen Anne and his Designe to marry him to the Dutches of Alanzon A Designe that because it seemed to over-reach his Mâ—jesty in cunning and really did cross his Inclination in malice that incensed his Majesty to a passion which could be appeased with no less a sacrifice than the Cardinals fall in order to which the next service of this Knight is as Lieutenant of the Tower to take him to custody which he did at Leicester with a Noble resolution considering that mans greatness with a due reverence regarding his calling and with a tender compassion respecting his condition perswading him gently of the Kings Favour at that very time when he was come to be an Instrument of his Iustice. And what he did to a Cardinal now he did to Queens afterwaâ—ds never Prince commanded higher services than King Henry nor subjects discharging them more undauntedly than Sir William because therefore he was so severe a Lieutenant in â—he Tower he is made a Pâ—ovost-Marshal in the Field in which capacity after the Devonshire-Rebels defeat we have these two remarkable stories of him 1. One Bowyer Mayor of Bodmin in Cornwal had been amongst the Rebels not willingly but enforced to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him for whom the Mayor made great Provision A little before Dinner the Provost took the Mayor aside and whispered him in the Ear that an Execution must that day be done in the Town and therefore he must set up two Gallows The Mayor did so After Dinner Sir William Kingston thanks him for his Entertainment and then desires him to bring him to the Gallows where when they were come Sir William asked him Whether they were strong enough I I 'll warrant thee saith the Mayor Then saith Sir William get you up upon them I hope saith the Mayor you do not mean as you speak Nay Sir saith he you must die for you have been a busie Rebel And so without any more ado hanged him 2. A Miller that had been very active in the late Rebellion fled and left another to take his Name upon him Sir William Kingston calls for the Miller His Servant tells him that he was the Man Then saith he you must be hanged Oh Sir saith he I am not the Miller If you are not the Miller you are a lying Knave if you are the Miller you are a trayterous one and however you must dye And so he did Punish the Multitude severely once and you oblige them ever for they love that man onely for his Good Nature whom they fear for his Resolution Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Cheyney THree things advised men in King Henry the Eighth's days 1. Their Extraction 2. Their Wit 3. Their Comeliness and Strength For the first his Name was up since Battle-Abel-Roll as to the second it was enough that he traveiled with Wolsey and touching the third there need be no other instance than that at Paris where upon the Daulphin's Proclamation of solemn Justs the Duke of Suffâ—lke the Marquess of Dorset Sir Edward Nevil and He answered the Challenge as not long after he encountered King Henry himself at Greenwich where he had the great Honour of a strong and valiant Knight and a greater of being overthrown by his Majesty Having engaged his Majesties Person at home he had the Honour to represent it abroad where his Commission was to complement the French King about his Liberty but his Business to observe the state of that place Where he saw that a Kingdom governed by a Prince who hath under him other independent Lords as that of France is no longer safe than those Lords are either in Humour or in Purse being always in danger either from their discontent or corruption 2. That Faction is always eager while Duty is modest and temperate This Occasion ennobled his Vertue and his Vertue improved the Occasion so well that I finde him so eminent a Parliament-man the 22th of King Henry that as Sir Brian Tuge had the Honour to open the several Boxes sent from the respective Universities with their opinions about the Kings Divorceâ— so Sir Thomas had the happiness in a set Speech to insist upon them all in general and every one in particular And at Queen Anne's Coronation my Lord Vaux Sir Iohn Mordant Sir Thomas and ten more are made Knights of the Bath Having acquitted himself Nobly in Court and Council he attends the Earl of Hertford against the Scots as Commissary and Sir Iohn Wallop with Sir Iohn Rainsford as Marshal for his Services in both which capacities he is made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in England and with the Comptroller Sir Iohn Gage made Field-marshal and Treasurer of the Army before Bulloign And not long after Treasurer of the Houshold and one of the Assistants for the Over-seeing of King Henry's Will When some were joyning others with the Protector others for limiting him Sir Thomas would say That as Machiavel saith No Laws so No good could be done by a Governour that was not absolute without either a Restraint or a Competitor Upon the Reformation he would say That the disesteem of Religious Ceremonies argued the decay of the Civil Government good Princes have first kept their People Religious and thereby Vertuous and united both old and new Rome stand by this In a word what makes all men made him A generous industry of Minde and a well-set hardiness of Body which were attended while he lived with Honour and Success and since he is dead with Repuâ—e and Renowe Where eminent and well-born Persons out of a habit of sloath and lazâ—ness neglect at once the Noblest way of employing their times and the fairest occasions of advancing their fortunes that State though never so flourishing and glorious wants something of being compleatly happy As soon as ever therefore the Kingdom is settled sedate times are the best to improve a Common wealth as his quiet hours are the best to improve a man he and Sir William Howard addressed themselves as vigorously to the opening of Commerce and Traffick for the enriching of this Nation as they had before to the exercise of Arms to secure it Pursuing the Design with Resolution and keeping the frame of it in order with Industry their constant Spirit surmounting all Difficulties that stood in the way of their own Glory or their Countrey 's â—appiness working so well upon the Russians that they not onely obtained their Desire but gained so far upon the Affections of that people that they obtained the greatest priviledges any Tradesmen ever enjoyed in Muscovy which the Russians were not easiâ—r in the promise of than just in the execution of that promise So that the Trade is advanced not onely beyond our hopes but our very pretences too by those three particulars that never fail of success 1. Union 2. Conduct 3. Courage in enterprizes vigorously begun and watchfully pursued Until Queen ELIZABETH concerned her self so far in the
of Shrewsbury where saith my Author at the same time a man may smile at the simplicity and sigh at the barbarousness thereof Sum Talboti pro occidere inimicos meâ—s the beâ—t Latine that Lord and perchance his Chaplain too in that Age could afford The case was much altered here where this Lords Grandchild was at once the chiefest * Councellour and the most eminent Scholar of his Age. It 's a reverend thing to see any ancient piece standing against time much more to see an ancient Family standing against Fortune Certainly Princes that have able men of their Nobility shall finde ease in employing them and a better â—lide into their business For people naturally bend to them as born in some sort to command Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Challâ—ner THis Gentlemans birth in London made him quick his Education in Cambridge knowing and his travail abroaâ—â—expert In Henry the eighth's time he reserved Charles the fifth in the expedition of Algier where being ship-wracked after he had swum till his strength and arms faâ—led â—im at the length catching hold of a Cable with his teeth he escaped not without the loss of some of his teeth We are consecrated by dangers to services and we know not what we can do until we have seen all we can fear In Edward the sixth's Reign he behaved himself so manly at Muscleborough that the Protector honoured him with a Knighthood and his Lady with a Jewel the delicate and valiant man at once pleasing Mars and his Venus too The first week of Queen Elizabeths Reign he is designed an Embassadour of honour to the Emperour such his port and carriage and the second year her Leiger for business in Spain such his trust and abilities The first he performed not with more Gallantry than he did the second with policy bearing up King Philips expectation of the match with England for three years effectually until he had done the Queens business abroad and she had done her own at home In Spain he equally divided his time between the Scholar and the States-man his recreation and his business for he refreshed his more careful time with a pure and learned Verse de rep Anglorum instauranda in five Books whilst as he writes in the preface to that Book he lived Hieme infurno aestate in Horreo i. e. Wintered in a Stove and Summered in a Barn He understood the Concerns of this estate well and those of his own better it being an usual saying engraven on all his Plates and Actions Frugality is the left hand of Fortune and Diligence the right Anthony Brown Viscount Mountacute urged with much Zeal and many Arguments the Danger and Dishonour of revolting off from the Catholick and Mother-Church Sir Thomas Challener with more Eloquence enlarged on the just Cause for which we deceded from the Errours of Rome the true Authority by which we deceded from the Usurpation of Rome and the Moderation in what we deceded from the Superstition of Rome When the Spanish Embassadour urged that some Catholicks might with the Queens leave remain in Sâ—ain he answered him in a large Declaration That though the instance seemed a matter of no great moment yet seeing the Parties concerned would not receive so much advantage by the licenâ—e as the Commonwealth would damage by the President it was neither fit for the King of Spain to urge or for the Queen of England to grant He was very impatient of Injuries pressing his return home when his Coffers were searched but admonished by his Mistress That an Embassadour must take all things in good part that hath not a direct tendency to the Princes dishonour or his Countries danger His death was as honourable as his life Sir William Cecil being chief Mourner at his Funeral St. Pauls containing his Grave and he leaving a hopeful Son that should bring up future Princes as he had served the present being as worthy a Tutor to the hopeful Prince Henry as his Father had been a faithful Servant to the renowned Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Waterhouse SIr Edward Waterhousâ— was born at Helmstodbury Hartfordshire of an ancient and worshipful Family deriving their descent lineally from Sir Gilbert Waterhouse of Kyrton in Low-Lindsey in the County oâ— Lincolâ— â— in the time of King Henry the third As for our Sir Edward his Parents were Iohn Waterhouse Esquire a man of much fidelity and sageness Auditor many years to King Henry the eighth of whom he obtained after a great Entertainment for him in his house the grant of a weekly Market for the Town of Helmsted Margaret Turner of the ancient House of Blunts-Hall in Suffolk and Cannons in Hertfordshire The King at his departure honoured the children of the said Iohn Waterhouse being brought before him with his praise and encouragement gave a Benjamins portion of Dignation to this Edward foretelling by his Royal Augury that he would be the Crown of them all and a man of great honour and wisdome fit for the service of Princes It pleased God afterwards to second the word of the King so that the sprouts of his hopeful youth onâ—ly pointed at the growth and greatness of his honourable Age. For being but twelve years old he went to Oxford where for some years he glistered in the Oratorick and Poetick sphere until he addicted himself to conversation and observance of State-â—ffairs wherein his great proficiency commended him to the favour of three principal Patrons One was Walter Devereux Eâ—rl of Essex who made him his bosome-friend and the said Earl lying on his death-bed took his leave of him with many kisses Oh my Ned Oh my Ned said he Farewel thou art the faithfullest and friendliest Gentleman that ever I kâ—ow In testimony of his true affection to the dead Father in his living Son this Gentleman is thought to have penned that most judicious and elegant Epistle recorded in Holinshed's History pag. 1266. and presented it to the young Earl conjuring him by the Cogent Arguments of Example and Rule to patrizare His other Patron was â—ir Henry Sidney so often Lord Deputy of Ireland whereby he became incorporated into the familiarity of his Son Sir Philip Sidney between whom and Sir Edward there was so great friendliness that they were never better pleased than when in one anothers companies or when they corresponded each with other And we finde after the death of that worthy Knight that he was a close-concerned Mourner at his Obsequies as appeareth at large in the printed representation of his funeral Solemnity His third Patron was â—â—r Iohn Perrot Deputy â—lso of Ireland who so valued his council that in State affairs he would do nothing without him So great his Employment betwixt State and State that he crossed the Seas thirty seven times until deservedly at last he came into a port of honour wherein he sundry years anchored and found safe Harbour For he receiving the honour of Knighthood was
degrees a Successor to his places though not to his Lands for he was a younger Brother He was first Secretary of State then Master of the Wards and in the last of her Reign came to be Lord Treasurer all which were the steps of his Fathers greatness and of the honour he left to his house For his person he was not much beholding to Nature though somewhat for his face which was the best part of his outside but for his inside it may be said he was his Father's own son and a pregnant Proficient in all discipline of State He was a Courtier from his Cradle yet at the age of twenty and upwards he was much short of his after-proof but exposed and by change of climate he shewed what he was and what he would be He lived in those times wherein the Queen had most need and use of men of weight â—nd amongst able ones this was a chief as having a sufficiency from his instructions that begat him the Tutorship of the Times and Court then the Academy of Art and Cunning â— English prudence and Counsel was at the highâ—â—â— as most exercised with Forreign dangers and Domestick practices Vast was his apprehension because so large his prospect Sir Francis Walsingham having opened the Conclave of Rome and his Father the Cabals of Spain insomuch that he knew each design in both places every Port every Ship with the Burthens whither bound what impediments for diversion of Enterprizes Counsels Resolutions as appears by his private dispatches as his manner was with those of the Councel one whereof to my Lord Mountjoy since Earl of Devonshire with whom he seasonably closed runs thus I must in private put you out of doubt for of fear I know you cannot be otherwise sensible than in a way of honour that the Spaniard will not come to you this year for I have it from my own what preparations are in all Parts and what he can do For be confident he beareth up a reputation by seeming to embrace more than he can gripe but the next year be assured he will cast over unto you some Forlorn-Hopes which how they may be re-inforced beyond his present ability and his first intention I cannot as yet make any certain judgment but I believe out of my Intelligence that you may expect their Landing at Munster and the more to distract you in several places as at Kingsale Beer-haven and Baltimore where you may be sure coming from Sea they will first fortifie and learn the strength of the Rebels before they dare take the Field This States man's character is engraven upon his honour and his portraicture drawn in his Patent for Earl of Salisbury which to many formal words hath added these effectual expressions As also for his faithfulness circumspection stoutness wisdom dexterity providence and care not onely in the great and weighty Affairs of Counsel but generally also in all other Expeditions of the Realm And indeed not a man upon the Helm of this Common-wealth understood all points of the Compass better than himself who in a stayed and calm setledness looked on the private designs that were promoted upon his Mistriss declining and privately overthrowed them and their Masters while in an uninterrupted course of integrity towards his Mistress and faithfulness to his Countrey he kept clear and succession equally careful not to enjealous his present Mistress and not to obstruct his future Master with whom he kept an honest correspondence although there goeth this story of him that a Post from Scotland meeting her Majesty upon Greenwich-heath Sir Robert Cecil in all hast would needs cut open the Packet and pretending it stunk had time to perfume it her Majesty being very curious in her smelling and convey away his own Letters be this so or so it 's certain that when assistant to the Earl of Derby in his French Embassie he promoted the young King of Scots interest against his Mothers when Sir Francis Walsingham's Colleague he defeated her Counsels against him and when principal Secretary he sounded crossed and undid the little plot that was shrowded under the great name of Essex turning and winding raising and ruining the Authors of it at his own pleasure No sooner was the Queen dead than his Messenger was with the King at Edenburgh and he himself with his Favourite Sir George Humes at York with whose assistance and honest Sir Roger Aston's mediation King Iames makes him his bosome-friend his house Theobalds his residence and his account of the English Laws Government and temper his rule Finding him but Knight and Secretary he created him Baron of Essenden Viscount Cranbourn Knight of the Garter and Earl of Salisbury He promoted him Master of the Wards and Lord Treasurer in all which capacities how vigilant he was against the Papists and their Plots their Libels which he answered in English and Latine very elegantly and wisely demonstrate how careful of the publique Treasure this Narrative shews King Iames had bestowed upon Sir Robert Carr twenty thousand pound my Lord apprehending the sum as more correspondent with his Master's goodness than his greatness with the royalty of his heart than the poverty of his Exchequer and observing his Majesty more careful of what money passed his own hands than what passed his servants contrives that the good King should go through the place where this great sum lay in silver to a treatment where demanding whose money it was and being answered that it was his own before he parted with it He understanding the design protested he was cheated and intended not above five hundred pounds and the Favourite was glad to make use of the Lord Treasurers mediation for the moyety of that great sum How industrious in the improvement of his Masters Revenue these particulars conel â—de viz. 1. A survey of the Crown-lands known before by report rather than by measure and let by chance rather than knowledge 2. A Revival of the Custody-lands Revenue by Commissioners of Asserts 3. A tarrier of Crown-wood-lands their growth and value where he numbered marked valued all the Timber hitherto unknown 4. The Commissioners he procured to look into Copy-hold-Lands Wastes and Commons 5. The Rules to forfeited Estates and extended Lands 6. The improvement of the Customs from 86000 to 135000 pounds per annum 7. The bargain about the London River-water 8. The encouragement of all English Inventions Manufactures and Trade whereby the Subjects might be employed our Commodities enhanced and our Treasure kept among our selves 9. The Plantations and Transplantations in Ireland And 10. The Reformation of the Court of Wards in the poynt of disposing of Orphans These services advanced him to great honour and to as great envy the popular effects whereof no man could have escaped but one whose soul was immoveable temper calm thoughts deep apprehensions large and resolution great to engage vulgar Errors rather by the greatness of his Actions than the eminence of his Interest
for all with a plentiful estate which came to pass accordingly For his Father dying in his infancy no plentiful provision was made for him and when his eldest Brother Thomas Duke of Norfolk was executed his condition was much impaired insomuch that being once in London not overstocked with money when his noble Nephews the Earl of Arundel and the Lord Thomas Howard were out of Town and loath to pin himself on any Table uninvited he was fain to dine with the Chair of Duke Humphrey but other not to say better company viz. reading of books in Stationers Shops in St. Paul's Church-yard though afterwards he attained to great wealth honour and command However that Lord gave little credit to and placed less confidence in such Predictions as appeared by a learned Work he hath written on that subject Observations on the Life of Sir John Ramsey Earl of Holderness and Sir Tho. Ereskin Earl of Kelley BOth their prefermentâ— began on the same occasion both their natures were eminent for the same innocence and goodness both their services tend to the same issue and therefore both their Characters come under one observation which it's more proper to take in the word of their Countrey-man and Contemporary that knew them than in the expression of a stranger that onely heard of them The whole story runs thus The name of Ruthen in Scotland was not notorious until Anno 1568. when Ruthen amongst others Confederates in those divided times of trouble laboured much for the imprisoning Queen Mary Mother to King Iames. In 1582. his son William was created Earl Goury in the time of that King's minority though the Father bore deadly hatred to the King's prosperity And in 1584. himself was in actual Rebellion in which he suffered at Dondee His eldest son Iohn then in Travel in Italy returns home to inherit his lands and honours but not one jot changed in disposition from the traiterous ways of his Predecessâ—rs For not long after he falls into this Conspiracy which is not so ancient but that many then and now living can and my self have heard the repetition The house of Gowry were all of them much addicted to study Chymistry and these more to practise it often publishing as such Professors usually do more rare experiments then ever could be performed wherein the King a general Scholar had little faith But to infuse more credit to the practice Alexander Ruthen the second brother takes this occasion and withal conspires with Gowry to assassinate the King and taking opportunity in his hunting not far from his house St. Iohnstone invites the King to be an eye-witness of his productions In their way Sir Thomas Erskin after Lord Kelley overtakes them and others Demanding of the Duke of Lenox then present why Alexander had ingrossed the King's ear to carry him from his Sports Peace man said the Duke Wee's all be turn'd into gold Not far they rid but that the Earl Gowry made good by protestation his Brother's story And thus was the King brought to be a Guest Neer the end of Dinner at his Fruit and the Lords and Waiters gone to eat Alexander begs of the King at this opportunity to withdraw and to be partaker of his Production to the view of that which yet he could not believe And up hâ— leads the King into by-lodgings locking each door behind them till they came into a Back-Room where no sooner entered but that Aâ—exander claps on his Bonnet and with stern countenance faces the Kinâ— and says Now Sir you must know I had a Father whose blood calls for revenge shed for your sake The King amazed deals gently with his fury excuses the guilt of his death by his then Infancy Advising him not to lay violent hands on the sacred Person of his Anointed Soveraign Especially in a cause of his Innocency Pleading the Laws of God and Man which so much wrought upon him that he said Well I will speakâ— with my Brother and so put the King into a Lobby Room next the Chamber where no sooner entered but that there appeared a fellow weaponed ready for execution to whose custody the King is committed till his return Alexander gone down the fellow trembles with Reverence puts down his Sword and craves pardon which gave the King occasion to work upon that passion and to ask him whether he resolved to murther him Being assured to the contrary the King gets leave to open a window that looked into a back Court When presently Alexander returns and tells the King that he must dye But much affrighted at the Fellow's countenance with his sword offers violence to the King Which the fellow seemingly opposes and between them began a scuffle which gave advantage to the King to cry Treason at the Window which looked into a back-Court where Sir Thomas Erskin and one Herries were come in pursuit of the King who was rumoured to be gone out the back-way to his hunting At the cry of Treason and known to be the King's voice they both hastened up a back-stair called the Turn-pike being directed by a servant of the house who saw Alexander ascend that way And so forcing some doors that found them above panting with the fray and up comes also at heels of them Iohn Ramsey after Earl of Holderness by them Alexander was soon dispatched Not long after came the Earl Gowry by his double key the first way with a case of Rapiers his usual weapons and ready drawn To whom Erskiâ— said as to divert his purpose What do you mean my Lord the King is kill'd for the King was shadowed having cast himself upon a Reâ— from his sight and his Cloak was thrown upon the Body of Alexander bleeding upon the ground At which Gowry stops sinking the points of his weapons when suddenly Herries strikes at him with a hunting Falchion And Ramsey having his Hawk on his fist casts her off and steps in to Gowry and stabs him to the heart and forthwith more Company came up Not long after this Conspiracy Herries dies well rewarded Iohn Ramsey hath the Honour of Knighthood with an additional bearing to his Coat of Arms A Hand holding forth a Dagger reversed proper piercing a bloody Heart The point crowned Emperial with this Distick Haec Dextra Vindex Principis Patriae Afterwards he was created Lord Haddington and Earl of Holdernâ—ss Sir Thomas Erskin was afterwards created Earl of Kelly Knight of the Garter Captain of the King's Guard and Groom of the Stool and the Fellow designed for the Murtherer had a large Pension confirmed by Act of their Parliamâ—nt And all these men but Herries were living with other witnesses at King Iames his journey when he went from hence to visit Scotland and met together by direction at the same house with Ceremony and all of them with a number of Courtiers ascended into the same Room the blood yet râ—maining where the King related the Story which was confirmed by them And afterwards kneeling down with
himself namely not to build his Estate upon the ruines of a miserable Nation but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice not to enrich himself but civilize the People But the wise King would no longer loose him out of his own Land and therefore recalled him home about the time when his Fathers Inheritance by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him It was not long before Offices and Honours flowed in fast upon him being made by King Iames 1. Attorney of the Court of Wards 2. Chief-Justice of the Upper Bench the 18 of his Reign Ian. 29. 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22 of his Reign Dec. 22. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire the last of the same month King Charls 1. Earl of Marlborough in Wiltshire immediately after the King's Coronation 2. Lord President of the Council in which place he diedâ— Anno Dom. 1629. He was a person of great Gravity Ability and Integrity And as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebbe nor flow so his mind did not rise or fall but continued the same constancy in all conditions a good temper enough for a Judge but not for a Statesman and foâ— any Statesman but a Lord Treasurer and for any Lord Treasurer but in King CHARLES his active time who was put to it to find out such stirring men as might recover him from the hazard and defection he was fallen into in Purse and Power Observations on the Life of Sir John Cook SIr Iohn Cook younger Brother to Sir Francis Cook born at Trusley in the Hundred of Apple-tree in Derbyâ—shire of ancient and worshipful Parentage and allied to the best Family in that Countrey was bred Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where his wit being designed his Estate he was chosen Rhetorick-Lecturer in the University where he grew eminent for his ingenious and critical reading in that School where Rhetorick seemed to be not so much an Art as his Nature being not only the subject but the very frame of his Discourse Then travelled he beyond the Seas â—or some years when his judgment was fitted for foreign Observations by domestick experience in the company of a Person of quality â— returning thence rich in Languages Remarks and Experience waving all the dangers incident to him for his Religion by a wary Profesâ—ion that he came to learn and not to search being first related to Sir Fulke Grevil Lord Brook who did â—ll mens business but his own â—he was thenceâ— preferred to be Secretary to the Navy their Master of the Requests â—â—od at last Secretary of Stateâ— for twenty years together Being a very zealous Protestant he did all good offices for the advancement of true Religion His Contemporaries character him a grave and a prudent man in gaâ—eâ— apparel and speech one that hâ—d his Intellectâ—â—â—s very perfect in the dispatch of business till he was eighty years old when foreseeing those Intrigues that might be too hard for his years he with his Majesties good leave retired as Moses did â—o â—ie when his eyes were not dim c. having kept himself strictly to the Law of the Land Insomuch that being sent to command Biâ—hop Williams from Westminsterâ— and being asked by the stout Bishop by what authority he commanded a man out of his house and his free-hold he was so tender of the point that he never rested till he had his pardon for it Muâ—iâ—â—â—â—â—o he had to keep the King's favour for his compliance with the Faction witness his third submission and as much ado to retain â—he Factions good opinion for his service to the King wâ—tness his several Apologies in Parliament to this purpose That it was a hard thing that they who should have thanks for the good offices they did the People with the KING had now nothing but censures for the same offices they did the King with his people Never was any man more put to it to reconcilâ— the two readings of that Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which he could never have done but that his old rule safe-guarded him viz. That no man should let what is unjustifiable or dangerous appear under his hand to give Envy a steady aim at his place or person nor mingle Interests with great men made desperate by debts or Court-injuries whose falls hath been ruinous to their wisest followers nor pry any further into secrecy than rather to secure than shew himself nor impart that to a friend that may impower him to be an enemy Besides that his years excused in him that caution some obâ—tinate men want that are broken with vicissâ—udes because they consider not that the forwardest in turmoyls are least regarded when things return to a calm He served the time out of Christian discretion in finding out the seasons of things commendably He complyed out of some infirmity in particular accommodaâ—ions pardonably but neither of ignorance or design iâ— pursuance of his own or any other mans plot unfaithfully Indeed he must have wrenched and sprained his grave soul with the short turningâ— in those dayes if it had been tâ—ue that he should shuffle a Scots Paper instead of the genuine Articles of Pacificatâ—on at York which the Earls of Holland Pembrook c. disavowed to the Northern Commissioners faces my Lord of Pembrook saying That indeed as he took Horse and his Friends being busie about him such a Paper was put into his hand but he opened it not untill he came to his Majesty and his Majesty burned in the face of both Kingdoms whereby they say he was dismissed which I am not willing to believe only I find him hereafter bring Propositions from the Parliament as they called it to the King as actively as formerly he had carried Messages from the King to the Parliament Indeed he had an happy mixture of Disâ—retion and Charity whereby he could allow to things persons more than men of streighter apprehensions or narrower affections were able to do Indeed though as I told you otherwise wary he broke an Affair to a Partizan that kept him under all his days he that entertains a dangerous design puts his head into an halter and the halter into his hand to whom he first imparts it Sir Francis Winâ—ebank and he fell into extreams which balanced might have fupported the Government if they had directed their particular inclinations and indulgences by the measures of the general interest and temper Observations on the Life of the Earl of Danby ALl that I find of this plain Noble-maâ— is wâ—itten on his Tomb-stone at Dantsey in Wilâ—shire Here lyeth the Body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir Iohn Danvers Knight and Dame Eâ—izabeth Daughter and Co-Heir to Nevil Lord Latimâ—â— He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-Countrey Wats under Maurice Eâ—rl of Nassaw afterwards Prince of Orange and in many other Military actions of those â—imes both by Sea and by Land He was made a
Life of John Lord Culpeper I Find nothing promoting him to his first preferment of Chancellor of the Exchequer but his pure merit nor any thing advancing him to his after-honours but his steady Loyalty which when others stuck to London in compliance with that Maxim In all Divisions keep your self to the Metropolis the chief City being for the most part preserved who-ever prevaileth in a Civil Commotion abounding in Money and Friends the readiest Commodities to purchase Quiet carryed him after a persecuted Soveraign for twenty years together by the strong obligation of a well-principled Conscience and the well-weighed observation of the natural Affection of all Englishmen to their lawful Soveraign from whom though the Arts and Impulses of seditious Demagogues may a while estrange and divorce their minds yet their Genius will irresistibly at last force them to their first love It was the resolution of a great States-man That if the Crown of England were placed but on an Hedge-stake he would be on that side the Crown was His first service was to discover his Soveraign to his deluded People worthy not only of their obedience but their lives and fortunes His next was to lay open his Enemies in all their Intrigues and Reserves being most happy in all the Treaties he was engaged in in discerning the bottom of his own Parties Interest and their Adversaries pretensions discoveries that prevailed on all that was either noble or but ingenuous in the Nation especially whithâ—r my Lord came with his indefatigable Industry his obliging Converse and potent Eloquence excepting London its self whither he was sent from Nottingham with the Earls of Southampton and Dorset and Sir William Wedale Knight the very day the King set up his Standard there The Principle he went upon was That the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament A Principle most safe on all hands For which and the rest of his judicious Sentiments he hath the honour to be enrolled among those that Traitors durst not pardon which he could not choose but smile at knowing as he used to say That Treason is alwayes within five years weary of its self the People being more impatient of their own Libertinism than of the strictest and most heavy government His way of Intelligence from London by Mistress E. P. friend to I. M. puts me in minde of a passage in Queen Elizabeths Reign who being presented with an Overture out of Spain so recretly managed by the Councel there as the first news of its approach came with its self the Messengers out of fear of a surprizal dispensing the Ceremonies commonly used in the behalf of Embassadors something strange considering the haughtiness of that Nation did much inslâ—me the Lord Treasurer's desire to know the farthest extent of the Negotiation as conducing to a present advantage that such an Answer might be made as should in some proportion quadrate with the demand of the Catholique King at that time standing upon Terms little different from those of an Enemy And being informed from the ordinary Espials he kept about his Person that the attempt was something difficult if not impossible the Don out of distrust still carrying his Instructions in his bosom Burleigh caused such a Jesuite to be apprehended as by reason of former miscarriages could not expect mercy and imparts his desires to him under as large promises if he brought them about as threats to be revenged on him and his Associates if he â—ound himself abused All which though with some reluctancy he undertook and performed through the meditation oâ— a fair Lady that first took away his Commission and then again laid it under his Pillow whilst he slept His early endeavours for Peace by Addresses to London Scotlâ—ndâ— Cornwal speak his integrity and his prudence Every inconsiderable person may be powerful at disturbances but to form Peace requires much wisdom and great vertues and his observations upon the division of the greatâ— Faction to two parties Independent and Presbyterian His care and watchfulness none of their clashes escaping his reach which was ready to accommodate as occasion served their respective Interests in their New-models and alterations making as good use of Fears and Jealousies between them as they had done between the King and his People being one of those brave spirits that made much of good Soldiers and Subjects notwithstanding their ill success if they continued their good affections â—areat successibus opto quisquis ab eventus exitus acta probat as the Romans gave thanks to Terentius Varro after he had lost the great battel of Caâ—nae by his own default because he did not despair of the Commonwealth always valuing his estate in England during the usurpation as much as he did during the King's just possession As the Romans would not sell the ground that Hannibal encamped upon cheaper than if it had been in time of peace which was one thing that discouraged that great Captain from continuing the siege of Rome These and other his services recommended him to the atâ—endance of his most excellent Majesty when Prince in the perfecting of the Western Association when it was thought fit to put the happiness and hope of the Kingdom in two bottoms with whom he continued with a constant fidelity in all difficulties performing several Embassies during their banishment with honour particularly one to the Emperour who had great respects for his Master and an awful regard of his Cause till it pleased God to bring his Majesty by his and others counsel to his Father's Throne which he just saw and dyed Master of the Rolls Iune 1660. From one of whose Relations I have these Notes and Postils containing some of the policy of the late Times from 1642. to 1659. which I set down nakedly as I finde them not supposing they are his but that they were among his Papers 1. It is against the experience of the wisest Princes of France and England â—o leave their chief Ciâ—y in times of tumult yet it was necessary for the King to do â—o as well to break the fury of the worst people there by distance and time as to dis-abuse the best abroad by his presence and time and indeed it had been a shame for him to have perished in a tumult 2. It was urged that the King should not delâ—y any longer the War but besides that nothing could perswade his gracious Majesty to a War but pure necessity It 's usually observed that if Bâ—uâ—efeu's make not the feud irreconcileable by a desperate action Rebels cool consider break suspect fear and fall off to nothing 3. The repulse of Hotham did the King excellent service by alarming all the Loyal in the Kingdom with their designed plot 4. Especially when the Country saw the King so unwilling to engage that he discharged their guards several times 5. It was thought unfit to send to the Faction from Nottingham until it was rejoyned that men of understanding and fidelity are usually employed to those persons
State-Worthies OR THE STATES-MEN And FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND Since the Reformation Their PRUDENCE and POLICIES SUCCESSES and MISCARRIAGES ADVANCEMENTS and FALLS During the Reigns of King HENRY VIII King EDWARD VI Queen MARY Queen ELIZABETH King â—AMES King CHARLES â— The Second Edition with Additions LONDON Printed by Thomas Mâ—lbourâ— for Sâ—â— Speed in Thread-needle-street neer the Royal-Exchange 1670. TO The HOPE of ENGLAND It s Young Gentry Is most humbly Dedicated The HONONUR of it It s ANCIENT STATESMEN A Renowned Ancestry TO An Honourable Posterity Whitehall BY permission and License of the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Morice This Book may be Printed and Published Jo Cook TO THE READER Courteous Reader FOr bestowing some vacant hours by that excellent Personages direction to whom I am equally obliged for my Employment and my Leasure in an attempt so agreeable to the Lord Verulam's judgment which may be seen in the next page and so pursuant of Sir Robert Naunton's designe which may be traced in the following Book Another person's abilities might have gained applause and my weakness may deserve an excuse notwithstanding my years if yet any man be too young to read and observe or my profession if yet a Divine should not as times go be as well read in Men as Books Especially since I gratifie no man's fondness writing not a Panegyrick but an History Nor pleasure any persons malice designing Observations rather than Invectives Nor tyre any man's patience setting down rather the remarkes of mens publick capacities than the minute passages of their private lives but innocently discourse the most choice instances our ENGLISH Histories afford for the three great Qualifications of men 1. Noblenesse in behaviour 2. Dexterity in business and 3. Wisdome in Government among which are twenty eight Secretaries of State eight Chancellours eighteen Lord Treasurers sixteen Chamberlains who entertain Gentlemen with Observations becoming their Extraction and their hopes touching 1. The rise of States-men 2. The beginning of Families 3. The method of Greatness 4. The conduct of Courtiers 5. The miscarriages of Favourites and what-ever may make them either wise or wary The Chancellour of France had a Picture that to a coâ—mon eye shewed many little heads and they were his Ancestorsâ— but to the more curious represented onely one great one and that was his own It 's inâ—ended that this Book should to the vulgar Reader express several particulars i. e. all this last Ages Heroes but to every Gentleman it should intimate onely one and that is himself It 's easily imaginable how unconcerned I am in the fate of this Book either in the History or the Observation since I have been so faithful in the â—irst that is not my own but the Historians and so careful in the second that they are not mine but the Histories DAVID LLOYD The Lord Bacon's Iudgment of a Work of this nature HIstory which may be called just and perfect History is of three kinds according to the object it propoundeth or pretendeth to represent for it either representeth a Time a Person or an Action The first we call Chronicles the second Lives and the third Narrations or Relations Of these although the first be the most compleat and absolute kind of History and hath most estimation and glory yet the second excelleth it in profit and use and the third in verity and sincerity For history of Times representeth the magnitude of Actions and the publick faces or deportments of persons and passeth over in silence the smaller passages and motions of Men and Matters But such being the workmanship of God as he doth hang the greatest weight upon the smallest wyars Maxima è minimis suspendens it comes therefore to pass that such Histories do rather set forth the pomp of business than the true and inward resorts thereof But Lives if they be well written propounding to themselves a person to represent in whom actions both greater and smaller publick and private have a commixture must of necessity contain a more true native and lively representation I do much admire that these times have so little esteemed the vertues of the Times as that the writing of Lives should be no more frequent For although there be not many Soveraign Princes or absolute Commanders and that States are most collected into Monarchies yet are there many worthy personages that deserve better than dispersed Report or barren Elogies For herein the invention of one of the late Poets is proper and doth well inrich the ancient fiction For he feigneth that at the end of the thread or web of every mans Life there was a little Medal containing the person's name and that Time waiteth upon the Sheers and as soon as the Thread was cut caught the Medials and carried them to the River Lethe and about the bank there were many Birds flying up and down that would get the Medials and carry them in their beak a little while and then let them fall into the River Onely there were a few Swans which if they got a Name would carry it to a Temple where it was consecrate THE TABLE A Pag. SIr Thomas Audly 72 Fiz-Allan Earl of Arundel 415 Master Roger Ashcam 613 Arch-Bishop Abbot 746 Sir Edmund Anderson 803 Bishop Andrews 1024 Sir Walter Aston 932 Sir Robert Armstroder 951 Philip Earl of Arundel 953. B. CHarles Brandon Duke of Suffolk 27 Sir Thomas Bollen 137 Edw. Stafford D. of Bucks 159 Sir Anthony Brown 164 Sir David Brook 386 Sir John Russel 1 E. of B. 442 Sir John Baker 460 Sir Will. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Arch-Bishop Bancroft 704 Sir Nich. Bacon 470 Thomas Lord Burge 591 Sir Thomas Bromley 609 Sir Richard Bingham 612 Tho. Sackvil L. Buckhurst 677. Sir Fulke Grevil L. Brook 727 Sir Thomas Bodley 805 John L. Digby E. of Bristol 838 G. V. Duke of Buckingh 843 Sir Francis Bacon 828 Sir John Bramston 926 Lord Chief-Iustice Banks 960 C. ARch-Bishop Cranmer 35 T. Cromwel Earl of Esâ—ex 57 Sir William Compton 145 Sir Thomas Cheyney 466 Sir John Cheek 191 Sir William Cordel 369 Sir Anthony Cook 373 Sir W. Cecil L. Burleigh 473 Sir Thomas Challoner 534 Sir James Crofts 569 Cliffords Earls of Cumberland 721 Sir R. Cecil E. of Salisbury 730 Sir George Calvert 750 Sir Arthur Chichester 753 L. Cranfield E. of Mid. 778 Sir Robert Cary 794 Doctor Richard Cosin 817 Lord Chief Justice Cook 820 Lord Cottington 906 Sir Dudly Carleton 910 Lord Conway 919 Sir Julius Caesar 934 Earl of Carnarvan 1014 The Cary's Lords Viscounâ—s Faulklands 938 Lord Capel 1021 Sir John Culpepper 1042 Sir Georgâ— Crook 949 James Hay E. of Carlisle 774 Sir Thomas Coventry 978 Sir John Cook 944 L. Herbert of Cherbury 1017 D. SIr Thomas Darcy 130 T. Grey Marquess of Dorset 152 Dudly D. of Northumberland 420 W. Devereux E. of Essex 486 Edward Earl of Derby 547 Sir William Drury 558 Doctor Dale 564 Sir James Dier 595 Secretary Davison 624 Sir G. Hume E. of Dunb 740 Sir
Robert Dudley 761 John L. Digby E. of Bristol 838 The Digges 921 Earl of Danby 9â—8 E. THomas Cromwel Earl of Essex 57 W. Howard L. Effingh Sir Ralph Ewers 458 W. D. Earl of Essex 486 D. Devereux E. of Essex 634 Sir Thomas Edmonds 962 L. Chancellour Egerton 755 Sir Clement Edmonds 772 Sir T. Ereskin E. of Kelly 782 F. SIr Jeffery Fenton 626 661 Sir John Fineux 81 Doctor E. Fox Secretary 86 Sir Edward Fines 408 Sir John Fortescue 556 Doctor Giles Fletcher 662 The Carys Lords Viscounts Faulkland 938 Sir John Finch 971 G. THo Grey Marquess of Dorset 152 Ste. Gardiner Bish. of Winch. 451 John Grey of Pyrgo 569 Lord Grey of Wilton 571 Sir Henry Gates 569 Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton 588 Sir Humphrey Gilbert 626 Sir Fulk Grevil L. Brook 727 Oliver Saint-John Grandison 767 H. SIr William Herbert 457 D. Walter Haddon 627 Sir Tho. Howard 131 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Ed. Howard 141 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Th. Howard 142 of Surrey Norfolk Wil. Howard L. Effingh 401 Sir G. Hume E. of Dunb 740 James Hay E. of Carlisâ—le 774 Henry Howard Earl of Northampton 780 Sir John Ramsey Earl of Holderness 782 Sir Nicholas Hyde 931 Christopher Lord Hatton 521 Lord Hunsdon 526 Sir Richard Hutton 967 W. Marquess Hertford 969 Lord Howard Earls of Nottingham 735 Henry E. of Holland 987 Marquess Hamilton 1005 Sir Ralph Lord Hopton 1008 L. Herbert of Cherbury 1017 Arch-Bishop Heath 526 I. Sir John Fitz-James 114 Sir William Fitz-James 123 Sir John Jefferies â—21 Sir Arthur Ingram 798 Arch-Bishop Juxon 1038 K. SIr William Kingston 462 Sir Henry Killigrew 584 The Knowls 617 Sir T. Ereskin E. of Kelley 782 L. SIr Anthony St. Lieger 89 Earl of Liecester 518 Sir Thomas Lake 777 788 Sir Ja. Ley E. of Marlb 943 Earl of Lindsey 975 Arch-Bishop Laud 991 Lord-Keeper Littleton 1003 M. SIr Thomas Moor 42 Sir Rich. Morison 102 Sir William Molineux 118 Sir Henry Marney 147 Sir John Mason 208 Sir Edward Mountague 404 Sir Thomas Mannors 458 Sir Walter Mildmay 554 â—ir Roger Manwood 576 Lord Mountjoy 664 L. Cranfield E. of M. 778 Bishop Mountague 800 Sir Henry Martin 925 Sir Ja. Ley E. of Marlb 943. M. Earl of Manchester 1027 N. DUdley D. of Northumberland 420 Duke of Norfolk 540 Lord North 564 The Norrices 617 H. Howard E. of Northampton 780 Lord Howard Earl of Nottingham 735 Sir Robert Naunton 795 Sir Francis Nethersole 795 W. Noy Atturney-General 892 Sir Augustine Nichols 929 O. SIr Thomas Overbury 796 H. Vere Earl of Oxford 810 P. EEmund Plowden 573 Sir William Paget 99 Sir Ed. Poynings 248 The Parrs 187 Sir Clement Paston 202 Sir John Portman 397 Sir Amias Pawlet 568 Sir William Pelham 599 Sir Barn Fitz-Patrick 412 Sir William Peter 430 Cardinal Pool 435 Sir John Perrot 510 Sir William Pickering 530 G. Earl of Pembrook 552 William Lord Pawlet 593 Sir John Puckering 607 Sir John Packington 616 L. Chief-Iustice Popham 759 Westons Earls of Portland 914 Will. E. of Pembrook 917 Sir Paul Pinder 964 R. LOrd Rich 204 Sir Tho. Randolph 564 Sir John Russel 1. E. of B. 442 Tho. Ratcliffe E. of Sussex 490 Sir William Russel 629 Sir â—homas Roper 630 Sir Walter Rawleigh 670 Sir Joh. Ramsey E. of Hold 782 Sir Thomas Ridley 923 Esme Duke of Richmond 957 Edw. E. of Rutland 667 Sir Thomas Roe 1035 Iudg Richardson 97â— S. CH. Brandon D. of Suffolk 27 Sir Richard Cecil E. of Salisbury 730 Sir Ralp Sadler 95 Sir Tho. Wriothesly 1. E. of Southampton 111 Sir Edw. Stanly 136 Sir Ch. Somerset 150 Sir Thomas Smith 560 R. Earl of Somerset 742 Ed. Stafford D. of Bucks 159 The Seymours 172 Sir Will. Stamford 216 T. Ratcliff E. of Sussex 490 Sir Philip Sidney 501 Sir Henry Sidney 602 Sir Th. Howard 131 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Ed. Howard 141 of Surrey Norfolk Sir Th. Howard 142 of Surrey Norfolk Fr. Talbot E. of Shrewsb 533 Sir John Smith 668 Th. Sackvil L. Buckhurst 677 E. of Suffolk 792 Sir Thomas Smith 724 Lord Spencer 841 Oliver Saint-John L. Grandison 767 Sir John Savil 895 Lord Say 972 Sir T. W. E. of Strafford 980 T. BIshop Tonstal 531 Fr. Talbot E. of Shrewsbury 533 Sir Nich. Throgmorton 543 V. SIr Henry Umpton 632 H. Vere E. of Oxford 810 The Veres 812 Sir H. Vane Senior 965 G. V. D. of Buckingham 843 W. CArdinal Wolsey 1 Sir Thomas Wyat 76 Doctor Nich. Wottâ—n 107 Sir Tho. Wriothâ—â— 1. E. of Southampton 111 Sir Robert Wingfield 157 Sir Thomas Wentworth 197 Doctor Tho. Wilson 390 Ste. Gardiner Bishop of Winton 451 Lord Willoughby 497 Sir Francis Walsingham 513 Sir Edward Waterhouse 536 Sir Will. Fitz Williams 549 L. Gray of Wilton 571 Sir Christopher Wray 578 E. of Worcester 581 Arth. Gray Baron of Wilton 588 Sir William Wâ—ad 601 Sir Ralph Winwood 826 Bishop Williams 897 Sir Isaac Wake 904 Westons Eaâ—ls of Portland 914 Sir Henry Wotton 1029 Lord Wilmot 1035 Sir T. Wentworth Earl of Strafford 980 Robert Earl of Warwick 987 Y. SIr Henry Yelverton 799 STATE-WORTHIES OR THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Henry the VIII Observations on the Life of Cardinal WOLSEY CArdinal Wolsey was not so great in his Fortune as he was mean in his Original his honest and industrious Parents helped him to a good Constitution and a large Spirit two hopeful steps to greatness though one hath said of him Brave Priest whoever was thy Sire by kind Wolsey of Ipswich nere begat thy mind His Ambition gave him the opportunity to encrease his parts he was as pregnant at Ipswich-School as he was promising in Magdalen Colledg where he was Batchelour of Arts at 15 years of Age and therefore called the Boy-Batchelour His Industry and parts advanced him to a command over Noble men of the Marquess of Dorset's Family as School-master as his Policy promoted him to an Imperiousness over Kings in the quality of Statesmen The first step to Greatness in a Scholar is Relation to a Nobleman The best Education for the Court is in the Palace Nature made him capable the School and University made him a Scholar but his Noble Employment made him a Man At Oxford he read Books at my Lord 's he read Men and observed Things His Patrons two Parsonages bestowed upon him was not so great a Favour as the excellent principles instilled into him he being not more careful to Instruct and Educate the young Men then their Father was to Tutor him his Bounty makes him Rich and his Recommendation Potent His Interest went far his Money farther Bishop Fox was Secretary to K. Henry the seventh and he to Bishop Fox the one was not a greater Favourite of the King 's than the other was his as one that brought him a Head capable of all Observations and a Spirit above all Difficulties Others Managed the Affairs of England Wolsey understood its Interest His Correspondence
strengthen his Interest abroad To which he added the Statute of Succession the Oath of Supremacy Sir William Howard's Embassy to the Scotch King the suppression of Religious Houses the War in Ireland under Sir William Sheffington and a thorow search into the bottom of the Rebellion in the North by a connivance and delay But all his services could not quit him from suspicion nor his popularity from envy The Lord Daâ—cy accuseth him to excuse himself and Cromwel seconds him â—o secure himself as unhappinesses follow one another in the same order as one wave floweâ—h after another his Nieces miscarriages threatned his fall but that the honest man as appears from a Letter the whole Council sent to Sir William Paget then resident in France was the first that declared against her and put the King upon the most safe honourable ways of trying her which satiâ—fied his Majesty so far that he employed him as câ—ief in the Treaty upon the Borders and General in the War when that Treaty failed Sir Anthony Brown upon his Recommendation being added to the Commissioners in Scotland and to the Privy-Council in England â—s Master of the King's Horse as Sir Iohn Gages was Comptâ—oller of his House Several Persons came to London for a Reward of their Scotch serviceâ— this Duke gave the King a waâ—y and grave counsel to bestow upon them as much Land as they could win in Scotland But Greatness is fatal The King is old and testy the Government disordered irregular the Duke too stifly honest to comply the Council envy him and in this Juncture his Wives passion discovereth his Minions and they to save themselves his privacies and secrets His son a man of a deep undeâ—standing of a sharp wit and great valour bred up with Henry Fitz-roy at Windsor and afterwards at Paris was beheaded before his face His Favourite Mâ—s. Holland deposed That he said many looked for the Protectorship when the King who lived and moved by Engines and Art rather than by Nature should die but he would carry it That the King did not love him because he was loved by his Country but he would follow his Fathers Lesson which was That the less others set by him the more he would set by himself That he had a Daughter for the King as well as othersâ— c. His Estate was great his power greater the King's occasions had swallowed up the one and his Enemies ambition the other notwithstanding his humble submission before the Council and his many services to the King had not his Majesties Death saved his Life As the deepest Hate is that which springs from violent Love so â—he greatest Discourtesies oft arise from the largest Favours It is indiscreet to oppress any dangerous a Prince with Kindnesses which being Fetters are Treason on that Person But Suspicion Ah sad Suspicion The Companion of the Weak or Guilty The Cloud of the Mind The Forfeiture of Friends The check of Busineâ—s Thou that disposest Kings to Tyranny Husbands to Jealousie Wise men to Irresolution and Melancholy Trust and you need never suspect But Policy and Friendship are incompatible I see where Norfolk begs that Life from the Block at last which he had ventured two and thirty times for his Sovereign Who knows the Cares that go to Bed with Statesmen Enemies Abroad Treacheâ—ies at Home Emulations of Neighbours Dissatisfaction of Friends Jealousies of most Fear of all unwelcome Inventions to palliate unjust Courses fears of Miscarriage and Disgrace with Projects of Honour and Plausibility with restless thoughts how to discover prevent conceal accommodate the Adversaries or his own Affairs Let us live and love and say God help poor Kings Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Stanley THe Stanley's service to Henry the Seventh was a sufficient pledge of their faithfulness to Henry the Eighth Honour floated in Sir Edward's blood and Valour danced in his spirits His stirring childhood brought him to Henry the eighth's company and his active manhood to his service The Camp was his School and his Learning was a Pike and Sword therefore his Masters Greeting to him was when they met Hoh my Souldier In many places did he shew himself but no where more than at Flodden where his Archers fetched down the Scots from their fastness and relieved the English from their distress the Earl of Surrey beginning the Conquest and Siâ— Edward crowning it for which the King immediately set him high in his favour and not long aâ—ter as high in the world being made Baron Stanley and Lord Mounteagle Twice did he and Sir Iohn Wallop land with only 800. Men in the heart of France and four times did he and Sir Tho. Lovell save Callis the first time by Intelligence the second by a stratagem the third by valour and resolution and the fourth by hardship patience and industry In the dangerous Insurrection by Ashe and Capâ—â—in Cobler his Zeal for the States welfare was aâ—ove scruples and his Army was with â—im before â—is Commission for which dangerous piece of â—oyalty he asked pardon and received thanks Two things he did towards the discomfiture of the Rebels whose skill in Arms exceeded â—is Followâ—rs as much as his policy did their Leaders first he cut off their provisions and then secondly sowâ—d sedition among them whilst his Majesty gained â—ime by pretended Treaties to be even with them drawing off the most eminent of the factions every day and confounding the rest He lived wiâ—h this strange opinion that the soul of Man was like the winding up of a Watch and when the String was run out the Man died and there the Soul determined but he died not so Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bolen THe City enriched this Family their Parts raised them His Activity was as taking with King Henry as his Daughters beauty He was the Picklock of Princes upon his word only would the King model his Designs and upon his word alter them He discovered Ferdinand's underhand-treaty with Lewis and his design upoâ— Navarre aâ—d writ to his Master to press the ambiguous man to a coâ—clusion and to send over some treasure for said he the whole World iâ— now to be sold adding the necessity of a peace oâ— at least a truce with Scotland Sir Thomas Boleâ— was against the Kings going to France in person before he had some more issue or Edmund de la Poâ—â— were dispatched out of the way Sir Thomas Howard was for it it being dangerous to entrust so Noble an Army or so renowned an Action with any subject especially when Maximilian the Emperour offered to serve under his Majesty as Lieutenant and the Pope to attend him as Chaplain There is nothing more remarkable of Sir Thomâ—â— Bolen than 1. The Education of his Children his eldest son being bred at the Emperours Court his youngest with the Pope at Rome and his Daughter with Queen Mary in France 2. His Negotiation with the Lord St. Iohns in Germany where
had no time to transcribe Intelligence but what he borrowed from his sleep nor money to buy it but what he saved out of his allowance yet he understood more than any one Prince of Europe and was more consulted than any one Statesman His Judgment was much valued his Integrity more ever offering what was solidly safe rather than what was superficially plausible as one who was a stranger to the wisdome of the latter Age as Sir Francis Bacon describes it which is rather fine Deliveries and shifts from Inconveniences than solid and grounded courses for advantage His foresight was large and his spirit larger he considered all Circumstances that occurred to him judged what he considered and spoke what he judged with that resolution as to his opinion that argued he understood the matter in question with that modesty as to his Superiours that shewed he understood himself He would say that he that could not with the Cameleon change colour with the Aire he liveâ— in must with the Cameleon live only upon Aire Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Poynings SIr Edward Poynings was the third of eighteen Counsellours bequeathed by Henry the VII to his Son with his Kingdom a Privy Council wherein there was not one Lawyer and a Cabal that never condescended for advice to any below themselves or for performance of any of their Degrees to any beâ—ides themselves being a compleat Body of active and knowing men in their own Orb. Who more prudent than Surrey who more resolved than Poynings whose Vigilancy made him Master of the Cinque Ports as his Valour advanced him General of the Low-Country Forces whom he led on to several services with such success and brought off with the loss of not above an hundred men with Honour from the Lady Margaret and Applause from the whole Country No less happy was he in his Government of Tournay until the Council at home now 〈◊〉 thin by the secession of Warham Fox 〈◊〉 Norfolk had more need of him than Garisons aâ—road Vainly is that spirit penned within a City that was equal to a Kingdom It is the unhappiness of other Monarchies that they have not Men answerable to their Employments it was the unhappiness of this that it had not Employment suitable to its Men. He liv'd and di'd in Arms Bulloign saw him fiâ—st a Souldier and Bulloign saw him last the best Camp-Master in all Christendom always observing three things 1. The Situation of his Camp to secure his Army 2. The Accommodation of it to supply it 3. His Retreat to draw off the Avenues to be guarded with Souldiers and strengthened with Re-doubts which he made Triangular that more men might engage the Enemy at once during erection wheâ—eof the Army was pallisado'd in the Front with stakes headed with iron on both ends five foot long stuck slope-wise into the ground to keep off both Horse and Foot the Foot-Sentinels were without the Redoubts the Horse-Guards beyond them at distance enough to descry the Enemy and not too much to retire to their works A serious and plodding brow bespoke this Noble Knights deep Prudence and a smart look his resolved Valour who was a man vastly different in his publick capacity from what he was in his privâ—te employment Quemquam posse putas mores narrare futuros Dic mihi si fias tu leo qualis eris Observations on the Life of Sir Charles Somerset SIr Charles Somerset afterward Lord Herbert of Gower c. endeared himself to King H. as much for his Maxime That Reason of State was Reason of Law as for his Advice That the King should never suck at Law in case of Publique Good and yet that all â—is Acts for publique Good should come as near as possible to the Law So Popular was this Gentleman that he received all the Petitions against Empson and Dudley yet so loyal that he advised his Master neither to spare those Leeches lest any should pâ—esume to alienate his Peoples affections from him by Extortions for the future nor yet too severely to punish them lest any should be discouraged to serve the Crown for the present for indeed Empson and Dudley suffered for that which others were advanced for the Parliament punished them for putting their Laws in execution and the King deserted them for improving his Exchequer to a Treasury Two things this Lord advised his Master to before he put the Crown upon his head 1. To redress the Peoples Grievances under his Father 2. To marry not in France where he had a Title A Kingdom so near us that by reason of mutual jelousies we may have peace with it sometimes but Friendships never In the Houshold he was Lord Chamberlain so discreet his Carriage In the French Expedition Anno 1513. he was General so Noble his conduct His Assiâ—stants were the Earls of Northumberland Shrewsbury Kent and Wiltshire his Followers the Lord Audley De la Ware Carew and Curson c. Therovene he besiegeth in good Order and with Wolsey's advice who had lived long in that Town understands all the Avenues of it aâ—d with Sir Oughtred Sir Henry Guilford Sir Edward Poynings Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Alexander Baynam's assistance sprung several Mines repulsed the French Relief and the City-Assailants so that the Town was yielded August 22. 1513. and upon Mazimilian's Intreaty razed as he did Tournay September 22. Herbert was for razing this place as farther from us than Therovene but Wolsey for the Bishopricks sake is for the garisoning of it as a Trophy The King recollecting his former occasions Febr. 3. 1514. thought he could not do a more just or a more prudent Act than recompence his Noble Servants but the cheapest way I mean that of Honour as he did old Somerset with the Earldome of Worcester With this Honour at home is joyned another abroad viz. That of Embassie to Maximilian where he reached that Germans depthâ— and clearly demonstrated that those fond and impossible Offers of the Empire were but Artifices rather than Kindnesses to drain the Kings Treasure rather than enlarg his Dominions Advising him or raise a Citadel at Tournay and an Army in Normandy He finished the Espousals between the Princess Mary and the Dolphin and delivered Tournay by the â—ame token that he would not let the Mareschal de Castilion to enter with Banner displayed but rolled up it being as he said who when Lord Herbert was at the taking of it voluntarily yielded up and not gotten by Conquest and then bestowed himself with Sir Richard Wingfield for the great enterview between King Francis and King Henry an interview I know not whether more solemn or more dangerous Kings cannot meet without great state and they seldom part without much envy who never are further asunder than when they meet His most eminent Action here was the Device of that Motto Cui adhareo praeeâ—t a Motto that speaks the Honour of England and the Interest of Europe The Arbitrators commanding both
the parties submitting â—o their Arbitration for two Cities in Italy contending about their bounds chose the People of Room to be their Arbitrators they gave either City a small pittance and reserved all the rest to themselves Quod in medio est Populo Romano adjudicetur Observations on the Life of Thomas Grey Marquess of Dorsâ—t THe Kings Wars called for Souldiers and his Peace for Statesmen and here is a Person ex utroque magnus When the whole design â—for â—he Invasion of France was ripened this Marquess â—s made General and attended by the Lord Thomas Howard the Lords Brook Willoughby and Ferâ—ers with divers Knights Gentlemen and others â—o the number of ten thousand men armed not only with Bows but Halberâ—s He distresseth Navar to a submission to his Master forceth his way to Bayon and with Sir Iohn Styles assistance kept up the English Honour above that of France and the Empire keeping close to his Commission and not stirring a foot without expâ—ess Orders from Ireland Although his preâ—ence countenanced some Actions his hands could not perform Three things he was very careful of 1 Of Good Pay lest his Souldiers mâ—â—ined 2. Of Good Diet aud Quâ—rters lest they failed 3. Of Order Discipline and Temperancâ— especiaâ—ly in strange Climates lest they should be distempered Two things he was unsuccessful for 1. The narrowness of his Commission 2. The reach of Ferdinand who designed the Conquest of Navar rather than of France Yet what reputation he lost by Land Sir Edward Howard gained by Sea commanding the French ships to their Harbours Over-running Britain and with Sir Tho. Knevet the Master of the Horse Sir Iohn Carew and Sir Henry Guilford's assistance he gave Law in the Mediterranean until he awed the Neighbour-Princes to terms as honourable for his Master as dishounorable for themselves Now we find him valiant in earnest at Sea anon so in jest at Câ—urt at the solemn Justs proclaimed by Francis de Valois Duke of Angoulesm in France his Nature being not sâ—inted buy equally free to deboâ—ar and serious Enterprises of Pleasure or of Honour where six Germans were at his mercy and four Frenchmen at his feet His spirit equalled those active times and his temper his spirit Three things set him up 1. His large expenses for shew at Court 2. His strength and manhood at Justs 3. His skill and experience in the Field He was the best for embattelling an Army in those times Observing 1. The number strength and experience of hih Camp 2. The Nature and extent of the place whether Champain or inclosed hilly or plain wooddy or moorish straight or large that he might accordingly diâ—pose of distances and stands 3. Inclosureâ— he aimed at for his Foot and Champain for his Horse together with the advantages of Wind and Sun 4. He impales the Flank and Reer with Muskets Pikes aud Carriages 5. His Divisions werâ— sundry but well ordered to relieve one another His main Battels three the largest in the front the next in the middle with some spaces between for the fiâ—st to rally it self or embody with the second the third and strongest in the Rear so divided that the two first Battels may retreat into it and draw up in it's rear to watch the Enemies disorder in pursuit It 's observed of the Turks that they nâ—ver put their Ianizaries thir best Souldiers in the Front but make use of them for Reserves by which they have been very succesful This Noble Marquess went not by rote or fore-conceived â—ules but by present Prudence observing time â—lace and persons neither would he lie open to â—n Enemies design by a constant Method but alter â—is Stratagems and contradict all the Rules of Discipline to disorder the Enemy and disappoint â—is expectation He hath somtimes compounded the wings of his Battle of ablest men and the Battle it self of the meanest ordering them if overpowred to make make their retreat to the Rear of the other Diviâ—ions through the spaces appointed for that end which the Enemy perceiving followeth not smelâ—ng the drift not without disorder as in all pursuits between the two strong wings who crush them in pieces His Field-Piecâ—s after once or twice discharging were drawn within the Divisions of the main Battle to fâ—â—e the Enemy at his next approaches if the Front were disordered And to avoid the execution of hiâ— Enemies his files were thin and his Dragoons ready to seize theirs whereby at least they were hinderd from shooting his Forlorn retired to the main Battel and out of the Flanks thereof issued with Fire-pots and Granadoes upon the engaged Enemy His Horse were in four Battalia's whereof the first was the greatest lined with shot placed on each wing of the main Army ways opening upon the opening of the Enemy The greatest trust between man and man is the trust of giving Counsel For in other confidences saith my Lord Bacon men commit the parts of life their Lands their Goods their Children their Credit some particular affair but to such as they make their Counsellours they commit the whole by how much the more they are obliged to faithfulness and integrity None was more trusted than the Marquess none more trusty None understood clearer what was fit none spoke plainer what he understood What wants a Sovereign said a flattering Crurtier Truth said a serious King Never had King more need of it than Henry never less of it than he whom it was less fatal to Ruing than to Displease But this Souldier was as much above feare as Flattery that told him when pensive That never was that man merry that had more than one Woman in his Bed more than one Friend in his Bosom more than one Faith in his Heart So waâ—y was this Gentleman that he was not rash and so lost his advantage so valiant that he was not contemptible and so Lost his command He led others by the strongest authority of his own forwardness his own example he was led himself by the best Guide his own Observation his own Experience His Book limited not his Design nor his Paper-plot his Undertakings Land-service was his Exerciâ—e but the Sea his Delight The Compass his Study the Stars his Care Trade his Thoughts our own and â—orein Havens his Discourâ—e a Sea-man his Familiar and three Sea-fights his Tâ—iumph His converse and speech was Souldier-like plain short smart and material There was a time when he would say nothâ—ng and a time when he would say somthing but â—eâ—er a time when he would say all He was in a word the happy man who notwithstanding that the times could not endure his Virtues nor he their Vices died at once full of hohonour at Court and applause in the Country with this Monument from the King That Honest and Good Man Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Wingfield HIs Parts and Person endeaâ—ed him to the English Court his Travel and Experience recommended him to Forein Negotiations particulaâ—ly in the Emperour Maximilians Court
next year his Nephew is born the hope and stay of his Majesty and his Realmes and he is made Earl of Hertford King Henry understanding that the Pope upon his own and Cardinal Pool's account stirred up all the Princes against him as a provident Prince rode himself to the Sea-coasts to see them fortified Admiral Fitz-williams is old Sir Thomas Seymour assists him to rigg the Navy to be in readiness in six dayes time Sir Edward is to muster the Land-Forces and particularly the City of London where were 15000 Armed men ready May 8 in St. Iameses at which place the City seemed a Camp and the Ciâ—izens men not of the Gown but of the Armour Great this Lords interest in and respect with the people as great his brothers with the Sea-men The Multitude would leave all for their good Lord of Hertford and the Sea-men would die with their noble Lord Seymouâ— When the King of Scots had deluded King Henry in his correspondencies with France beyond all patience and had been forborn beyond all saâ—ety or prudence Sir Edward Seymour is fiâ—st sent to treat and then to fight which he did with much success that 300 of his men and a Stratagem to possess the Scots with an apprehension that the whole English Army was upon them took and killed 30000 Scots had more prisoners than they could keep more booty than they could dispose of and adding this to their Victory that they broke the Kings heart There was no end to be expected of a War with Scotland but by marrying that Kings Daughter to our Sovereigns Son This Match was my Lord Seymour's interest as well as the Kings His prudence and experience is therefore employed first to perswade it and when that would not do so great and so cross the Papal power there by Cardinal Betons means his Valour and Resolution is sent with 10000 to compel it in order whereunto May 4. landing at Granther-Gray he marcheth in order towards Leith which after a defeat given the Cardinal the Earls of Arran Huntley c. by his Harquebusiers they entred and thence proceeded to Edinbuâ—gh My Lord Dudley leading the Front our Earl the Battle and the Earl of Shrewsbury the Reerward theâ—e the Keys are offered tâ—em upon conditions which they refusing and so making the Enemy desperate who resolveth rather to perish nobly than to be undone by submission the Town holds out and they are able to do no more with some considerable loss then burn the suburbs wast the Country to an utter desolation for seven miles compass demolish Leith Dunbar c. take all their Ships and Ammunition returning to Berwick with the loss only of 14 men Two things he was eminent for 1. His Advice that not the least Punctilio of the Law should be neglected Whereupon the Earl of Surrey and other Nobility were imprisoned for eating Flesh in Lent A secret and unobserved contempt of the Law is a close undermining of Authority which must be either its self in indulging nothing or be nothing in allowing all Liberty knows no restraint no limit when winked at 2. For his Popularity in advancing the Benevolence 52000 l. beyond expectation The Scots must have War as long as there is Poverty in their Country and interest in France This Noble Earl cutteth off the Invaders layeth wast the Country and that the source of those troubles might be dammed up entreth France with 80000 men and afer some skirmishes brought the King thereof to a peace and submission In pursuance whereof while King Henry was in Bologn he made his Will wherein the Earl of Hertford Lord High Chamberlain is appointed Principal Counsellour to his Nephew and not long after he dyeth and leaves the Kingdome to his son and his Son to his Uncle whom the common Vote made Protector and interest a Moderator of the Council which the time required able but their humours made fâ—ctious The peace with King Francis and the Emperour was but uncertain the Scots weâ—e irreconciâ—eable the Pope implacable Religion unsettled the Clergy out of frame the People distâ—acted and the Nobility at variance A great Counsellour King Henry leaves his Son and a greater his Uncle makes him in Counsel is stability Things will have their first or second agitation If they be not tossed upon the Arguments of Counsel they will be tossed upon the Waves of Fortune But yet this Lord miscarried in that the Council understood him better than he did them And he advised with them rather in publick where men speak warily and in compliance with otheâ—s humour than in private where they deliver themselves more freely and agreeable to their own humours The Rule is Ask an inferiour mans advice in private that he may be â—ree and a superiours in publick that he may be respectful But he did well 1. In that the same matter if weighed was never propounded and resolved the same day 2. In that he hâ—d fixed dayes of petitions for the peoples and his own ease 3. In that he poyzed his Committees of contrary inclinations that watched and balanced each other to a moderation most safe for the Kingdome and himself 4. That he had of all Professions such at his command as opened the state of a business before any Commissioners debated it 5. That he seldome discovered his own inlination lest it byasâ—ed his Counsel 6. That to prevent a Combination in the Council he weakned their power and priâ—iledges â—heir credit their dependencies either by office or expectation their opportunities and correspondencies so that he could easily remove any when faulâ—y discover any when dangerous disgrace any when bold and not fit to be entrusted with the Counsels Resolves Deliberations and Necessities of the State In order to which he had two useful Resolutions 1. To suppress Calumnies 2. To encourage Accusations His first Acts were Shew and Pomp necessary for Greatnessâ— viz. The Knighting of the King and making himself Duke His next are Realities as 1. His modeâ—ling the Country for a Parliament considering the temper of the people and the pulse of the last Parliament redressing Grievances settling Elections by such Legal Rules as that the people should not be corrupted with money overborn by importunity transported by fear or favour to an unworthy or an unsuitable choice and taking a just time to prepare the people for the designed settlement by his grave and sober Injunctions by godly and good Books of Instructions by a wholsome form of Prayer composed at Windsor by a more exact translation of the Bible by several Proclamations for moderation and order on all hands by inhibiting all Preachers but such learned sober grave and discreet men as were Licensed thereunto under the Lord Protector 's and my Lord of Canterbury's hand 2. His promoting the Match with Scotland first by Ambassadours and then by an Army whose order was this viz. The Avant-guard of 3 or 4000 foot-men at Arms and 600 light-horse led by the Earl of Warwick
the main Battle of 6000 foot and 600 men at Arms and 1000 light-horse led by the Protector and the Rear of half so many led by the Lord Dacres the Artillery of 16 Pieces of Ordnance making one Wing the men at Arms and Demilances the other For the Avant-guard and half of the Battel â—iding about two flight-shot from their side the other half of the Battel and the whole Flank of the Rear was closed by the Carriages being 12000 Carts and Waggons the rest of the men at Aâ—ms and Dâ—miâ—ances marching behind A fâ—w skiâ— mishes and stratagems passed when a Trumpeter is sent by Huntley to challenge the Protector to whom the Protector replying like a wiâ—e man That it was not for a person of his trust to duel it with a private man The Earl of Warwick said Trumpeter bring me word that thy Master will perform the Combat with me and I 'll give thee 100 Crowns Nay rather said our Duke bring me word that he will give us Battle and I will give thee 1000 l. But in 25 days he gains a greater Battle over-runs the Country with the loss of no more then 65 men to that of 25000 Scots 3. His third Exploit was Dispensing Honours so nobly that they were due encouragements to Virtue though yet so warily that they should not be either a burden or a danger to the Crown 4. He gave the Commonalty great content in pulling down Enclosures by Proclamations and the Nobility no less by setting up Land-improvements by Rule 5. He engaged both by a good bargain of Church-lands confirmed by this Parliament 6. He weakneth the Papists 1. By conniving at them until they broke out to such outrages as made them lyable 2. By dividing them when engaged with hope of mercy on the one hand and fear of his Army on the other 7 The French taking the advantage of our seditious to break off their Treaty and proclaim a War he conâ—iâ—caâ—es their Estates and secures the persons of aâ— many of them as lived in England But Greatness is fatal and his Brother that should have suppoâ—ted this great man ruines himself and him He had married a Lady high in spirit his Brother the Queen-Dowager higher in place the Ladies quarâ—el first and then as it must needs follow the Lords Thomas the Admiral is questioned for aiming at the Crown 1. By marrying the Lady Elizabeth and then by seizing the King-person and the Government so honest this Protector a plain man and of no over-deep insight into practices that he gave way to his Tryal saying though somewhat ominous as it happened I 'll do and suffer Iustice so Uxorious that he sealed his death And now he stands alone wanting his Brothers cunning to reach Warwick or his resolution to check Norfolk The people are troubled at that one weak and unjustifiable Act of his The pulling down of so many of Gods â—huâ—cheâ— in the City to build one Somerset-house in the Strand The Earl takes notice of their discontent and asseâ—bleth eighteen discontented Counsellours who arm themselves and their followers calling the City and the Kingdome to their assistance by a Proclamation The Protector fleeth with the King and a Guard to Hampton-Court the City sometimes resolved to assist the Lords out of malice to the Protector sometimes to forbear out of such consideration of its many misfortunes in opposing Kings set forth not with more Integrity by George Stadlow then Eloquence and Life by Iohn Ayliffe They delay Sir Anthony Wingfield Captain of the Guard perswades the King of the Lords moderation and Loyalty the Duke is to answer for himself the Lawyers charge him with removing Westminster-Hall to Somerset-House where he kept a Court of Request and determined Title of Lands the Souldiers with the detaining of their pay and betraying our French Garisons the States-men with the engrossing of all Authority The Earl of Warwick vigilantly but closely manageth all disconâ—eâ—â—s of his designe with this great advantage that we was subtle close and implacable while the other was free-spirited open-hearted humble hard to distrust easie to forgive His friend the Lord Russel is absent he is first tryed and acquitted but with the loss of his Protectorship Treasureâ—sâ—ip Marshalship and 2000 l. of Land more But Warwick's designe for the Crown ripening and Somerset being the most eminent obstruction in his way having weakned before he ruines him now he chargeth him with Treason to make a noise and with Felony to do execution the Council is packed he looseth his life for a small crime and that on a nice point subtilly devised and packed by his Enemies forgetting to ask the benefit of the Clergy that had saved it This person as one charactereth him was religious himself a lover of all such as were so and a great promoter of the Reformation Valiant and successful generally beloved by Souldiers envied by Statesmen though the most conscientious of them all doing nothing irregularly but in complyance with the necessities of Government open to dangers as one that could not be jealous better to act than designe to perform than plot When he was discharged of Treason there was so loud a shout in Westminster-Hall as was heard to Long-Acre when condemned of Felony there was a â—ilence and amazement for three hours It is observed of some that they have despised the benefit of their Clergy while they lived and by a just proâ—idence of God could not make use of it when â—hey were to dye It was pitty that this Noble person should forget to crave that benefit of the Clergy which might have saved him when he was so unwiâ—â—ing to enjoy any â—enefit of the Clergy which might Incommode them The controversie between him and the Earl of Warwick is like that between Demades and Phocion Demades threatned Phocion that the Athenians would destroy him when they fell into their mad fits and thee Demades saith Phocion when they return to their right minds it appearing afterwards that what he was charged to have design'd against others he did only in his own defence cum moderamine Inculpatae cautelae in whose behalf Cicero had pleaded thus Si vita nosâ—ra in aliquas Insidias si in vim in tela aut latronumâ— aut in imicorum incidisset omnis honesta ratio esset expediendae salutis hoc ratio doctis necessitas barbaris mos gentibus feris natura ipsa praescripsâ—t ut omnem semper vim quâcunque ope possint a corpore a capite a vitâ suâ propulsare-nitantur Beheaded he was on Tower-Hill with no less pâ—aise for his piety and patience than pitâ—y and grief of the spectators His Death was atâ—ended with many signes and wonders and his Name with an indelible character his house being calâ—ed Somerset-house to this day though solemnly proclaimed by King of Iames Denmark-house because inhabited by the King oâ— Denmark and his Sister Surely saith my Author this Duke was well beloâ—ed
Property and protect their People in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry and the benefit of those Laws to which themselves have consented He sets himself good Rules as well to create good presidents as to â—ollow them reducing things to their first institution and observing wherein and how they have degenerated yet still taking counsel of both times of the ancienter time what is best and of the latter what is fittest He made his course regular that Men might know what to expect but not peremptory that Knaves might not know how to impose upon him always expressing himself well when he digressed from his Rule Preserve the right of his place he would but not stir Questions of Jurisdictions rather assuming his right in silence and de facto then voice it with claims and challenges He directed in most Affairs but was busie in none none readier to give none readier to take helps and advices His speech was more discreet than eloquent rather particularly suitable to the present things and persons than generally orderly and artificial He could speak quick and deep too never using many circumstances lest he were tedious ever some lest he were blunt so warily did he deliver what he knew that he was sometimes thought to know what he did not He knew what might be said so good his fancy and he knew what shoâ—ld be thought so great his judgment commanding the discourse where-ever he was by that prudence that could bring it on and off and that variety that happily intermingled Arguments with Tales Reasons with Opinions and earnest with jest His Decrees were the Hedges of Propriety his Dispatches cool his Cases rightly stated his Reports favour of Integrâ—ty and Prudence of Books and Men. How discreeâ—ly would he moderate the rigorous circumstances of petty and poenal Laws how exactly observe the design and drift of the more fundamental and reasonable Here no Intrigues to perplex no Attendance to tire no Hazards to discourage no Checks or Delays to vex no surreptitious advantages to surprize no defeats of hopes or falseness of friends to disappoint no negligence of Agents or interest of parties to betray no Oratory or Sophism to varnish or hide a matter all things clear as Justice and smooth as Integrity By diligence and moderation with their gentle degrees and augmentations and his own watchful observance he climbed to Excellency A man is neither good nor rich nor wise at once it being a double work to be great 1. To remove Obstruction and accommodate Adversaries 2. To watch and assume the advantage What is longest in proving is longest declining the Rose that buds one day withereth the neâ—â— The Oak that is an Age a growing is five stancâ—â—â—â— He had those lower Virtues that drew praise from the Vulgar which he neglected knowing that they were more taken with appearances than realities he had middle that they admired and good Men observed he had his highest Virtues which they perceived and great Men honoured In a word a fragrant fume he had that filled all round about and would not easily away Although he despised the Flatterers praise as base and avoided the Cunnings as dangerous yet he would say of a deserved Fame That being nothing or but ayr at best it doth all for it 's sufficient to breed Opinion and Opinion brings on substance He observed of himself that he came very hardly to little Riches and very easily to great Riches For when a Man's stock is come to that as my Lord Verulam observes that he can expect the prime of the Markets and overcome those Bargains which for their greatness are few Mens Money and be Partners in the Industries of younger men he cannot but mainly increase with those two Advancers of Gain 1. Diligence and 2. A good Name He hath left these two Principles behind him for those of his own professionâ— 1. That they should reduce every Statute to the Common Law and Custome whereon it is grounded 2. That they should as well look into the History of former times â—or the Reasons and Circumstances of our Laws as into their Law-books for the matter of them Some Lawyers assert the Subjects Liberty and retrench the Prerogative as too much power to be trusted for a mortal Man within the known Limits of Law that so Subjects may be at a certainty How to square their Loyalty and Obedience He always upheld that Prerogative saying That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Common-wealâ—h must be trusted against all Emergencies with the management of its own might Concluding always thus Submission is our Duty and Confidence our Prudence Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time Eo tempore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem coram Deo dare quam Episcopatum coram hominibus exercere Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time In quae reservamur tempora dct Deus nt Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam His Book containeth two parts One of The Pleas of the Crown the other of The Kings Prerogative In him saith Mr. Fulbeck there is force and weight and no common kind of stile in matter very few have gone beyond him in method none have overtaken him in the order of his writing he is smooth yet sharp pleasant yet grave and surely his method may be a Law to the Writers that succeed him Heavy saith he is the weight of innocent blood consider we either the inward fears attending the guilt of it or the outward providence of God watching for the discovery of it one that was before him having apprehended a Fishes head in the Platter for the head of him whom he had murthered and another after a horrid murther being observed to have his Hand continually upon his Dagger Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law that he was preferred secondary Judge of the Common Pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas-Term the Nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Term of two years to his great commendation He left one Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Montague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey Mother to the truly honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey and Lord great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth This was he who was called the Plodding Student whose industry perfected Nature and was perfected by experience He read not to argue only for that is vanity nor to believe and trust for that is easiness nor to discourse for that is idle but to weigh and consider for that is prudence He had his Studies for pleasure and privacy for
Artificial and careless freedome that opened others 2. A natural gravity that shut him up and was more capable of observing their Vertues and escaping their Vices Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire on the one side Cloth of Gold on the other shining Armour the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey he answered Sir the attire on the right side is to honoâ—r your Majesty that on the left is to serve you Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court and with those abilities on the other that might support it His first employment was the Charts the Lattin Letters and the Forreign Nâ—gotiation the next was Principal Secretary In which Office Wriothesly was rough and stubborn Paget easie Cecil close Mason plain Smith noble Peter was smooth reserved resolved and yet obliging Both the Laws he was Doctor of and both the Laws he made use of the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations and the other to give light to Domestick Occasions In the Kings absence in France 1554. Craumer and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters of Religion the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War the Lord Parr of Horton and Doctor Peter in the Civil Government whose Maxime it was It is the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbiters of Christendome Thus much he was to the Queen by Henry the eighth's Deputation and no less to King Edward by his Will A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry King Edward Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth untill he recollects the French King who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself 〈◊〉 his Kingdome the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper and instead of an infinite number of Precepts which others use to offer upon that subject he onely writ this word Modus A Mean In King Henry's time he observed his Humour in King Edward's he kept to the Law in Queen Mary's he intended wholly Sâ—ate-affairs and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious his years minding him of death and his death of his faith He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger yet he had motions of his own for his real security Able he was at home and very dexterous abroad particularly at Bulloin The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador he asked one that was silent what he should say of him Report to your King saith he that you found one among the Graecians that know how to hold his tongue Ah said Mounsieur Chatillon we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages had it not been for the man that said nothing meaning Secretary Peter Neither was he better at keeping his own counsel than at discovering other mensâ— as appeared by the intelligence he had that the Emperour had â—ent ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court whereupon he fetched her two Leez and thence under the notion of preparing for Sea-matters he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward but as nimble in his intelligence suitable to his Allegiance to Queen Mary whom he assisted in two Particulars 〈◊〉 In making the Maâ—ch 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection therefore 1. When the Church-lands went against her conscience Sir William Peter must be sent for 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool he must be sent for who advised her to forbid him this Land as she very resolutely did As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth till his Age not being able to go through the difficulties and his Conscience being impatient of the severities of those â—â—â—ie and harsh times he retired to Essex where his Estate was great and his Charity greater both which he bequeathed his Son Iohn who was by King Iames made Baron of Writtle in that County Observations on the Life of Cardinal Pool HIs Extraction was so high that it awakened King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low that it allayed it When he reflected on his Royal Relation he was enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and security when he observed his modest Hopefulness he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care as more honourable than the other and as safe Religion and Study would enfeeble that spirit to quiet contemplation which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre and there would be no danger of his ambition to the Crown The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transactions of Court and he was two follow his Book that he might not understand himself His preferments were competent to content him and yet but mean to expose him Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl 1. His Relation's ambition that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black that was born to be clothed in Purple 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning 3. The Kings Policy to maintain him abroad who could not safely keep at home No sooner arriveth he at Paris than the Pope caresseth him as a person â—it to promote his Interest The House of York supports him as one that kept up their Claim and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the hope of England and might be its Relief That he might not come short of their Expectation or his own Right his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Univeâ—sities observeth the way of most Nations and keeps correspendence with all eminent men The first of these improved his Learning the second his Experience the third his Converse The Marquess of Exeter the Lord Mountacute Sir Nicholas Carew Sir Edward Nevil Sir Geoffery Poole would have made him a King but to gain him a Crown they loft their own Heads and Pope Iulius made him a Kings Fellow but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal The King had him declared for a Traytor in England and he him excommunicated for an Heretiâ—k at Rome His Friends are cut off by the King at home and the Kings Enemies cheâ—ished by â—im abroaâ— But Princes are mortal though their hatred not so For before the Kings deatâ— he would needs be reconciled to Pool and as some thought by him to Rome wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy desiring his opinion of his late Actions clearly and in few words Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispaâ—ch to him his Book de Vnione Ecâ—lesiarum inveighing against his Supremacy and concluding with an advice
not my pardon but my favour too He is the man for a Princes service whose minde is present and prudence is ready to meet with suddain occasions and accommodate unexpected emergencies The first effect of that favour was his Nomination for one of the sixteen that answered the French challenge at the Lady Mary's Marriage at Paâ—â—s November 7 1513. which shewed his manhood and how valiant he was The second was that he was one of the Forty five that were to be about his Majesty at the instant of his Interview with the King of France at Guisnes â— which was an Argument of his presenceâ— and how goodly a man he was The third was that he was one of the Twenty two that with the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral and Sir William Fitz-Williams Vice-Admiral proposed that secret and therefore successful Dâ—signe upon Britain under pretence of Scowring the Narrow Seas for now he is as good in the Sea as he had been in the Field for which he and eight more of his fellow-Captains Sir Ioh. Cornwallis c. are Knighted by the aforesaid Lord Admiral which speaks him a Sea-man and indeed one of a general capacity The fourth was the great Trust his Majesty reposed in him when he was sent in disguise to widen the difference that was newly broken out between the Duke of Bourbon the high Constable of France and the French King which he managed so well that the discontented Duke declares for the Emperour and the King of England to the great encouragement of the English the satisfaction of his Majesty and the success of his Designe upon Anchor Boungard Bray and oâ—her places where Sir Iohn shewed himself as active now as he was before cunning as much surpassing the French Spirit in action as he had over-reached their Prudence in Negotiation But in vain was it to serve that King unless a man obliged the Cardinal he that Courts the Virgin Mary must not neglect her little Saints him he attended in his second Journey to France first to honour and then to serve him And now after his decease when King Henry had done the work of mercy which was most proper for himself as being most popular upon the Lincolnshire Rebels he deputed the Duke of Suffolk Sir Francis Brians and Sir Iohn Russel to perform that of Justice which is most distastful wherein yet he behaves himself with that exactness that the Country was very well pleased and the King as well satisfied insomuch that we finde our Knight now called from a Commander in in the Field to be Controller at Court where he managed his Masters Expences thriftily reduced his Family discreetly reformed his followers effectually and filled up his place with the awe of his presence and the influence of his Authority that he was at once its support and its glory Indeed Courts being those Epitoms wherâ—through strangers look into Kingdomes should be Royally set of as with Utensils so with attendanceâ— that might possess all Comers with reverence there and fear elsewhere Hir Person graced his Imployment and therefore his Majesty honoured his Person with the Order of the Garter and the Title of Lord Râ—ssel and that his Preferment might keep pace with his Honour he is made Lord Privy Seal and his Nephew Sir Iohn Cage Controller His Honour flacked not his Activity but improved it neither was his Vertue onely violent in Ambition and dull in Authority Power to do good is the true and lawful end of aspiring therefore my Lord to his Staff added his Sword and to his Court-honour his Field service as Lieutenant-General before Muttrel and Marshal before Bulloign to the relief of the first whereof he drew Mounsieur Bies that his Majesty might take the second In the Camp he drew up the Designes in the Field he managed the Treasure and in Action to him was intrâ—sted the Conduct and manage In the Kings last Will and Testament he was the fifth person and in his Sons Council the fifth to whom he discovered a French Plot the first year of his Raign and for whom he broke the Devonshire Rebels what with delays what with stratagems to divide them according to their several Inclinations the second for which service he was made Earl of Bedford The third in the Faction at home between the Seymours and the Dudleys he was Neuter in the Treaties abroad between the French King and his Majesty of England he was Principal where he observed three Rules 1. That there should be a general Muster at home while this Treaty went on abroad 2. That there should be a blow given the Scots before there was a Peace made with the French 3. That we should first know the French Overtures before we made our own But while he was here he discovered a Plot that the Emperour had to transport the Lady Mary over to his Dominions and thereby bring her Brother to his terms whereupon he with 200 men watcheth one Port the Duke of Somerset with 200 more a second and Master St. Leiger with 400 men a third while the Lady was fetched by my Lord Chancellor to the King But while he was serving his Master the King abroad his Friend the Protector wanted his advice and assistance at home he being of purpose sent out of the way while that unfortunate Duke is first betrayed by his own folly and then ruined by his Enemies power I finde his hand among the rest of the Councellors in a Letter to Queen Mary but not in Arms against herâ— He was concluded by the major Vote to a Commission for Peace but not to Action for conscience sake Faithful he is therefore to her in Council and serviceable in Spain and France from the first of which places he brought her a Husband and from the second a Treasure He understood her Right and disputed not her Religion regarding not so much her Opinion as his own Duty not what she was but what he should be And thus he behaved himself until his dear Mistress Elizabeth took him for one of her Protestant Councellours to balance her Popish ones and not onely of her Council but of her Cabinet for as every man must have his Friend to ease his heart so Princes have their Favourites to partake of their cares and the Marquess of Northampton the Earl of Bedford and Sir William Cecil were the onely Persons to whom the Queen communicated her designe of Reformation and correcting the Common-prayer and they ordered affairs so that the Protestants should be in hope and yet the Papists should not be out of hope King Philip had a quarrel with the Queen for rejecting his suit the King of Sweden for slighting his Son the King of France in his Wives Right the Queen of Scots in her Own and the Pope for excluding his Supremacie her Subiects were as unsettled in their Loyalty as in their Religion What remained but that my Lord of Bedford and Sir William Cecil should make up a well-tempered House of
experience and acquaintance with the situation of any place the humour or interest of any People the weaknesses and strengths of any Enemy the advantages or disadvantages of any Undertaking â—ipen circumstances towards success but he is called off to a new and unacqâ—aâ—nted scene of action where he shall lose his Arâ—y beâ—oâ—e he knoweth how to employ it His friends at Court grew few and cold his foes many and active his affronts continual to disorder him by passion or sink him in despair His Commission was but short before but is none now onely three hundred men stick to him his Money failing his Noble Followers withdrawing his Common Souldiers mutiny and he is recalled And happy had he been could he have been quiet but nothing would compleat some mens Designes but his Ruine and nothing could ruine him but Honour that at once pleased his humour and wasted his Estate Earl-Marshal of Ireland he is made and thither he goeth in great state to die anno 1576 and the 36 of his Age a year fatal to that Family which none of them exceeded but the last who had been happy if he had died sooner or lived longer than he did Although Sir Walter Devereux had not that success over others which his Valour deserved yet he had that conquest of himself that Vertue onely gives shewing himself as good at the Buckler as at the Sword at suffering as well as acting All his changes from without he bore with none within his even and solid minde that fashioned its own fate enjoying its constant calm amidst all the tempests of malice and ambition Those ignoble courses were not greater Arguments of his Enemies narrowness and degeneracy than his resolved Patience was of his largeness and generousness of spirit he being as much above those smaller tricks as they were below his Adversaries We make our selves more Injuries than are offered us and the apprehension of wrong doth more harâ— than the smartest part of the wrong it self It 's the Wise-mans glory and the States-mans prudence to pass by Offences A Fool struck Cato in the Bath and when he was sorry for it Cato had forgot it for saith Seneca Melius putavit non agnoscere quam ignoscere Light Injuries are made none by a not-regarding which with a pursuing Revenge grow both to heighth and burden and live to mischief us when they might die to secure us It 's Princely saith one to disdain a Wrong who when Embassadours have offered Undecences use not to chide but deny them audience as if silence were the way Royal to revenge a Wrong The upper Region is most composed The wisest rage the least knowing that Observation and Resentment do but proâ—oke and encourage that Malice which neglect and silence deads and dissipates And it was Sir Walter 's Fathers Maxime That Discontent was the greatest weakness of a generous Soul which is always so intent upon its unhappiness that it forgets its remedies This Lord was a great instance of that Maxime That it 's an equal mischief to distrust all as to believe all although of the two the safest is to distrust for Fear had secured this Noble Person while Confidence ruined him it being a Vertue onely when men were innocent but ever since the bane of those that own it Three things undid this Earl 1. That he could not imagine he was to be ruined by his Advancement 2. That he never mistrusted an Oath 3. That he never considered that as Princes so Favourites have many eyes and long hands He that is so open as to reserve nothing from friends is renowned for Charity but he that is so to lie at the mercy of all is marked for ruine No sooner undeâ—stood my Lord of Leicester Essex his Disposition but the bitter Fool Pace could tell his Fortune begging of my Lord at his departure the making of his mourning and adding You and I have done for this world Walter Eâ—rl of Essex had been happy if he had not lived in my Lord of Leicester's time his son Robert renowned had he not been Sir Robert Cecil's Contemporary and his Grandchilde an Heroe had he not known my Lord Say and Mr. Hampden Observations on the Life of Thomas Ratâ—lif Earl of Sussex THomas Ratclif Earl of Sussex was of a very Noble and Ancient Lineage honoured through many Descenâ—s by the Title of Viscounts Fitz-Walters He was a goodly Gentleman and of a brave noble-Nature true and constant to his friends and servants noted for honesty a very excellent Souldier being one of the Queens martialists who did very good service in Ireland at her first accession tilâ— she recalled him to the Court where she made hiâ— Lord Chamberlain and though he was noâ— endowed with the cunningness and dexterity as others were yet upon his Deatâ—-hâ—d he gave his fâ—iends a caveat whom they should beware His words saith Sir Robert Naunton are these I am now passing into another World and must leave you to your Fortunes and to the Queeâ—s Graces but beware of the Gypâ—ie for he will be too hard for you all you know not the beast so well as I do His Prowess and integâ—ity drew the Souldiers after him Leicester's Courâ—ship and Cunning the Courtiers Cecil's Prudence and service the States-men This Thomas Ratclif Lord Fitz-Walter second Earl of Sussex of that surname was twice Lord Deputy of Ireland by his prudence he prevented the breaking out of an actual Rebellion in that Kingdome and no wonder if in his time it rained not War there seeing his diligence dispersed the Clouds before they could gather together Thus he who cures a disease may be skilfullest but he that prevents it is the best Physitian Being called home by the Queen to be Lord Chamberlain a constant Court faction was maintained between him and Robert Earl of Leicester these two parties dividing the Court whilst the Cecilians as Neuters did look upon them Sussex had a great Estate left by his Ancestors Leicester as great given or restored him by the Queen Sussex was the honester man and greater Souldier Leicester the more facete Courtier and deep Pollitician not for the general good but his own particular profit Great was the animosity betwixâ— them and what in vain the Queen endeavoured Deaâ—h performed taking this Earl away and so â—he competition ended New-hall in Essex was the place if not of his birth of his principal habitation he lyeth buried in the Church of St. Olives Hartstreet London The first of Queen Elizabeth found this brave Earl commanding Ireland in peace and plenty with three hundred and twenty Horse and eight hundred and sixty foot prudently garrison'd and well payd aâ—d the second employed him thither again with instructions that he should beware above all things lest the Irish being an uncivil people and therefore the more superstitious should by the cunning practices of the French be excited to Rebellion under the pretext of Religion 2. That he should fortify Ophale with Castles and Forts 3. That
leave from the Pope and so would disparage theâ—r Cause yet they could not say but they might dispute for the Queen and so satisfie the People and is one of the â—ive Councellours to whom the Dâ—signe of the Reformation is opened and one of the eight to whom the management of it was intrusted There you might see him a Leading man among the States-men here most eminent among Divines at once the most knowing and pious man of that Age. As his Industry was taken up with the establishment of our Affairs at home so his Watchfulness upon Sir Edward Carnees deposition of his Embassie was intent upon the plot of France and Rome abroad in the first of which places he made a Secretary his own and in the second a Cup-bearer At the Treaty of Cambray my Lord Howard of Effingham the Lord Chamberlain and he brought the King of Spain to the English side in the business of Calice 1. That France might be weakened 2. That his Netherlands might be secured 3. That the Queen his Sweet-heart might be obliged until he discovered Queen Elizabeths averseness to the marriage whereupon had it not been for the Viscount Mountacute who was not so much a Papist as to forget that he was an â—nglish-man and Sir Thomas the Spaniard had stoln over Catharine Grey Queen Elizabeths Neece for a pretence to the Crown as the French had the Queen of Scots her Cozen. After which he and Sir William Cecil advised her Majesty to that private Treaty apart without the Spaniard which was concluded 1559â— as much to the honour of England now no longer to truckle under Spain as its interest no longer in danger from France Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was the metal in these Treaties and Sir Thomas Smith the Allay the ones mildness being to mitigate that animosity which the others harshness had begot and the others spirit to recover those advantages which this mans easiness had yielded Yet he shewed himself as much a man in demanding as Sir William Cheyney in gaining Calice replying smartly upon Chancellour Hospitals Discourse of ancient Right the late Treaty and upon Montmorency's Harangue of Fears Conscience Pitying the neglected state of Ireland he obtained a Colony to be planted under his base Son in the East-Coast of Vlster called Ardes at once to civilize and secure that place So eminent was this Gentleman for his Learning that he was at once Steward of the Stannaries Dean of Carlisle and Provost of Eaton in King Edward's time and had a Pensâ—on on condition he went not beyond Sea so considerable he was in Queen Mary's Well he deserved of the Commonwealth of Learning by his Books 1. Of the commonwealth of England 2. Of the Orthography of the English Tongue and oâ— the Pronunciation of Greek and 3. an exact Commentary of matters saith Mr. Cambden worthy to be published Observations on the Lives of Doctor Dale the Lord North Sir Thomas Randolph I Put these Gentlemen together in my Observations because I finde them so in their Employments the one Agent the other Leiger and the third extraordinary Embassador in France the first was to manage our Intelligence in those dark times the second to urge our Interest in those troublesome days and the third to represent our Grandeur No man understood the French correspondence with the Scots better than Sir Thomas Randolph who spent his active life between those Kingdomes none knew better our Concerns in France and Spain than Valentine Dale who had now seen six Treaties in the first three whereof he had been Secretary and in the last a Commissioner None fitter to represent our state than my Lord North who had bâ—en two years in Walsinghams house four in Lâ—â—cesters â—eâ—vâ—ce had seen six Courts twenty Batâ—les nine Treaties and four solemn Justs whereof he was no mean part as a reserved man a valiant Souldier and a Courtly Person So â—ly waâ— Dale that he had a servant always attending the Qâ—een-mother of France the Queen of Scots and the King of Navarre so watchâ—ul Sir Thomas Randolph that the same day he sent our Agent in Scotland notice of a dâ—signe to carry over the young King and depose the Regent he advised our Queen of a match between the King of Scot's Uncle and the Countess of Shrewsbury's Daughter and gave the Earl of Huntington then President of the North tâ—ose secret instructions touching that matter that as my Lord Burleigh would often acknowledge secured that Coast. My L. North watched the successes of France Dr. Dale their Leagues and both took care that the Pâ—ince of Orange did not throw himself upon the Protection of France always a dangerous Neighbour but with that accession a dreadful one Sir Iohn Horsey in Holland proposed much but did nothing Sir Thomas Randolph in France performed much and said nothing yet both with Dr. Dales assistance made France and Spain the scales in the balance of Europe and England the tongue or holder of the balance while they held the Spaniard in play in the Netherlands watched the French Borders and kept constant Agents with Orange and Don Iohn Neither was Sir Thomas â—ess in Scotland than in France where he betakes himself first to resolution in his Protestation and then to cunning in his Negotiations encouraging Mâ—rton on the one hand and amusing Lenox on the other â—eeping fair weather with the young King and yet practising with Marre and Anguse Nothing plausible indeed saith Cambden was he with the wiâ—e though youthful King Iames yet very dexterous in Scotish humours and very prudent in the northern Affairs very well seen in those interests and as successful in those negotiations witness the first and advantageous League 1586. Video rideo is Gods Motto upon Affronts Video Taceo was Queen Elizabeths Video nec vident was Sir Thomas Randolphs These three men treated with the Spaniard near Ostend for peace while the Spaniard prepared himself on our Coast for Waâ— So much did Sir Iames Crofts his affection for peace exceed his judgement of his Instruction that he would needs steal over to Brussels to make it with no less commendation for the prudent Articles he proposed tâ—aâ— censure for the hazard he incurred in the Proposal So equal and even did old Dale carry himself that the Duke of Parma saw in his Answers is the English spirit and therefore saith my Author durst not try that Valour in a nation which he was so afraid of in a single person That he had no more to say to the old Gentleman than onelâ— thiâ— These things are in the hand of the Almighty None moâ—e inward with other men than Sir Francis Walsingham none more inward with him than Sir Thomas Randolph well studied he was in Iustinians Code better in Machiavels Discourses both when a â—earned student of Christ-church and a worthy Pâ—incipal of Broadgates three therefore was he an Embassadour to the Lords of Scotland in a commotion thrice to Queen Mary
decency lasting for stâ—eâ—gth was his Maxime and Pâ—actice who kept a State in decent plainness insomuch that Queâ—n Elizabeth called him her Good-man-Judge In Davison's Case Mildmay cleared the man of malice but taxed him with unskilfulness and rashness Lumley said he was an ingenious and an honest man but presumptuous I will ever esteem him an honest and good man said Grey The Archbishop of Canterbury approved the fact commended the man but disallowed of the manner and form of his proceedings Manwood made a narrative of the Queen of Scots proceedings confirmed the sentence against her extolled the Queens clemency pitied Davison and fined him 10000 l. A man he was of a pale constitution but a clear even and smooth temper of a pretty solid consistence equally sanguine and flegmatique of a quiet soul and serene affections of a discreet sweetness and moderate manners slow in passion and quick enough in apprehension wary in new points and very fixed and judicious in the old A plausible insinuating and fortunate man the Idea of a wise man having what that elegant Educator wisheth that great habit which is nothing else but a promptness and plentifulness in the store-house of the mind of clear imaginations well-fixed which was promised in his erect and forward stature his large breast his round and capacious forehead his curious and obâ—erving eye the clear and smart argument of his clearer and quicker soul which owed a liveliness equally far from volatileness and stupidity his steady attention and his solid memory together with what is most considerable a grand Inclination to imitate and excel What Plutarch saith of Timoleon with reference to Epaminond that we may say of thâ—s gentleman That his Life and Actions are like Homer's Verses smooth and flowing equal and happy especially in the two grand Embelishâ—ents of our Nature Friendship and Charity 1. Friendship that sacred thing whereof he was a passionate Lover and an exact Observer promoting it among all men he conserved with Surely there is not that Content on Earth like the Union of minds and Interests whereby we enjoy our selves by reflexion in our Friend it being the most dreadful Solitude and Wildness of Nature to be friendless But his Friendship was a contracted beam to that Sâ—n of Charity that blessed all about him His Salary was not more fixed than his Charity He and the poor had one Revenue one Quarter-day Instead of hiding his face from the poor it was his practice to seek for them laying out by Trustees for Pensioners either hopeful or indigent whereof he had a Catalogue that made the bâ—st Comment upon that Text The liberal man deviseth liberal things This is the best Conveyance that ever Lawyer made To have and to hold to him and his Heirs for ever Observations on the Life of Sir Christopher Wray SIr Christopher Wray was born in the spacious Parish of Bedal the main motive which made his Daughter Francis Countess of Warwick scatter her Benefactions the thicker in that place He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and such his proficiency therein that in the sixteenth of Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas Termâ— he was made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. He was not like that Iudge who feared neither God nor man but onely one Widow left her importunity should weary him but heartily feared God in his religious Conversation Each man he respected with his due distance off of the Bâ—nch and no man on it to byass his Judgement He was pro tempore Lord Privv Seal and sat Chief in the Court when Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber Sir Christopher collecting the censures of all the Commissioners concurred to Fine him but with this comfortable conclusion That as it was in the Queens Power to have him punished soâ— Her Highness might be prevailed with for mitigating or râ—mitting of the Fine and this our Jâ—dge may be presumed no ill Instrument in the procuring thereof He bountifully reflected on Magdalen-Colledgâ— in Cambridge which Iâ—fant-foundation had otherwise been starved at Nurse for want of maintenance We know who saith The righteous man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children and the well-thriving of his third Generation may be an evidence of his well-gotten Goods This worthy Judge died May the eighth in the thirty fourth of Qâ—een Elizabeth When Judge Mounson and Mr. Dalton urged in Stubs his Case that Writ against Queen Elizabeth's marriage with the Dâ—ke of Anjon That the Act of Philip and Mary against the Authors and sowers of seditious Writings was mistimed and that it died with Qâ—een Mary my Lord Chief Justice Wray upon whom the Queen relied in that case shewed there was no mistaking in the noting of the time and proved by the words of thâ— Act that the Act was made against those which should violate the King by seditious writingâ— and that the King of England never dieth yea that that Act was renewed anno primo Eliz. during the life of her and the heirs of her body Five Particulars I have heard old men say he was choice in 1. His Friend which was always wise and equal 2. His Wife 3. His Book 4. His Secret 5. His Expression and Garb. By four things he would say an Estate was kept 1. By understanding it 2. By spending not until it comes 3. By keeping old servants 4. By a Quarterly Audit The properties of Infancy is Innocence oâ— Childhood Reverence of Manhood Maturity and of Old Age Wisdome Wisdome that in this grave person acted all its brave parts i. e. was mindful of what is pâ—st observant of things prâ—sent and provident for things to come No better instance whereof need be alledged than his pathetick Discourâ—es in the behalf of those two great Stays of this Kingdome Husbandry and Merchandize for he had a clear discerning Judgement and that not onely in points oâ— Law which yet his Arguments and Decisions in that profession manifest without dispute but in matters of Policy and Government wherein his Guess was usually as near Prophecy as any mans as also in the little mysteries of private manage by which upon occasion he hath unravelâ—ed the studied cheats and intrigues of the Closet-men to which when you adde his happy faculty of communicating himself by a free and graceful elocution to charm and command his Audience assisted by the attractive dignity of his presence you will not admire that he managed his Justiceship with so much satisfaction to the Court and that he left it with so much applause from the Country for these two Peculiarities he had That none was more tender to the Poor or more civil in pâ—ivate and yeâ— none more stern to the Rich I mean Justices of Peace Officers c. or more sâ—vere in publick He desighted indeed to be loved not reverenced yet knew he very well how to assert the Dignity of his place and function from the Approaches of Contempt Observations on the Life of the Earl of Worcester THe
anno 1572 arraigned for Treason this Iudge was present thereat on the same toâ—en that when the Duke desired Council to be assigned him pleading that it was granted to Humphrey Stafford in the Reign of King Henry the seventh our Iudge returned unto him That Stafford had it allowed him only as to point of Law then in dispute viz. Whether he was legally taken out of the Sanctuary but as for matter of Fact neither he nor any ever had or could have Councel allowed him But let his own woâ—ks praise him in the Gatesâ— known for the place of publick Iustice amongst the Iews let his learned Writings called The Commentaries or Reports evidence his Abilities in his Profession He died in 2â— Eliz. thougâ— married without any issue and there is a House of a Baronet of his Name descended from an elder Son of Richard Father to our Iudge at great Stoughton in Huntingtonshire well improved I believe with the addition of the Judges Eâ—tâ—teâ— There is a Manuscript of this worthy Judgeâ— wherein are six and forty Rules for the preâ—ervation of the Commonwealth as worthy our Observation as they were his Collection 1. That the true Religion be established 2. To keep the parts of the Commonwealth equal 3. That the middle sort of people exceed both the extreams 4. That the Nobility be called to serve or at least to appear at the Court by themselves or by the hopes of their Families their Children 5. That the Court pay well 6. That Trade be free and Manufactures with all other Ingenuities encouraged 7. That there be no co-equal Powers nor any other vsurpations against the Foundation 8. That their be notice taken of wise and well-affected Persons to employ them 9. That Corruption be restrained 10. That the Prince shew himself absolute in his Authority first and then indulgent in his Nature 11. That the first ferment of sedition wâ—nt c. be considered 12. That Preferments be bestowed on merit and not faction 13. That troublesome persons be employed abroadâ— 14. That Emulations be over râ—led 15. That the ancient and most easie way of Contributions when necessary be followed 16. That the Youth be discipled 17. That Discourses and Writings of Government and its mysteries be restrained 18. That the Active and busie be taken to Employment 19. That the King shew himself often in Majesty tempered with familiarity easie access tenderness c. 20. That the Prince perform some expected actâ—ons at Court himself 21. That no one man be gratâ—fied with the grievance of many 22. That Acts of Grace pass in the chief Magiâ—trates Name and Actâ— of Severity in the Ministers 23. That the Prince borrow when he hath no need 24. That he be so well furnished with Warlike Provisions Citadels Ships as to be renowned for it 25. That the Neighbour-States be balanced 26. That the Prince maintain very knowing Agents Spies and Intelligencers 27. That none be suffered to raise a Quarrel between the Prerogative and the Law 28. That the People be awaked by Musters 29. That in câ—ses of Faâ—tion Colonies and Plantations be found out to receive ill humours 30. That the Seas the Sea-coast and Borders be secured 31. That the Prince be either resident himself or by a good natured and popular Favourite 32. To act things by degrees and check all the hasty importunate rash and turbulent though well-affected 33. That the Inhabitants have honour promiscuously but that Power be kept in the Well-affected's hands 34. That there be as far as can be plain dealing and the people never think they are deceived 35. That there be a strict eye kept upon Learning Arms and Mechanical Arts. 36. That there be frequent Wars 37. To observe the Divisions among Favourites though not to encourage them 38. That an account be given of the Publick Expences 39. That Inventions be encouraged 40. That the Country be kept in its due dependancâ— on the Crown against the times of War Elections c. and to that purpose that the Courtiers keep good houses c. 41. That no disobliging person be trusted 42. That Executions be few suddain and severe 43. To improve the benefit of a Kingdomes Situation 44. That the Lâ—berties and Priviledges of the subject bâ— so clearly stated that there may be no prâ—tences for worse purposes 45. That the Coyn be neither transported nor â—mbased 46. That luxury be supprâ—ssed Maximes these that spake our Judge so conversant with Books and men that that may be applyed to him which is attributed to as great a Divine as he was a Lawyer viz. That he never talked with himself Observations on the Life of Sir William Pelham SIr William Pelham was a Native of Sussex whose ancient and wealthy Family hath long flourished in Laughton therein His Prudence in Peace and Valour in War caused Queen Elizabeth to employ him in Ireland where he was by the privy-Council appointed Lord Chief Justice to govern that Land in the interim betwixt the death of Sir William Drury and the coming in of Arthur Gray Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Say not that he did but stop a gap for a twelve-month at the most seeing it was such a gap Destruction had entered in thereat to the final ruine of that Kingdome had not his providence prevented it For in this juncture of time Desmond began his Rebellion 1579 inviting Sir William to side with him who wisely gave him the hearing with a smile in to the Bargain And although our Knight for want of Force could not cure the wounds yet he may be said to have washed and kept it clean reâ—igning it in a recovering condition to the Lord Gray who succeeded him Afterwards he was sent over into the Low-Countries 1586 being Commander of the English Horse therein It is said of him â—rabautiam persultabat He leapt through Brabant importing celerity and success yea as much Conquest as so suddain an expedition was capable of He had a strong memory whereof he built his experience and a large experience whereon he grounded his actions There was no Town Fort Passage Hill or Dale either in Ireland or Holland but he retained by thaâ— strong faculty that was much his Nature more his Art which observed privately what it saw publickly recollected and fixed in the night when he observed by day trusting his head with solids but not burthening it with impertinencies Company is one of the greatest pleasuâ—es of Mankinde and the great delight of this man it 's unnatuâ—al to be solitary the world is linked together by love and men by friendship who observed three things in his converse that it should be 1. even 2. choice and 3. useful all his friends being either valiant ingenious or wise that is either Souldiers Scholars or States-men Four things he was very intent upon during his Government in Ireland 1. The Priests the Pulpits and the Press 2. The Nobility 3. The Ports 4. The Forreigners Which he pursued with that Activity the Earl of Ormond assisting
place and very observant of the Court happy in his potent friends happy in his able followers men of great faithfulness towards him and of great integrity and respectfulness towards any that made Addresses to him He never decided the â—quity of any Case before he had discoursed with the Judge that heard it of the Law of it He never disposed of a Living without the Bishop of the Diocess his consent where it layâ— nor ever engaged he in any State-business without dirâ—ction from my Lord Burleigh the Earl of Leicester my Lord Delaware Sir Ralph Sadler was to observe the policy Dr. Wilson the Civil law and Sir Thomas Bromley the English law in the Qâ—een of Scots answer to Queen Elizabeths last expostulation The Spanish Souldier never takes wages agâ—inst his King and Sir Thomas Bromley never took feâ—s against the Crown He would have the cause opened clearly by his Client in the Chamber befoâ—e ever he would declare it at the Bar He lost money for not admitting all causes promiscuously at first but he gained it at last when never fâ—iling in any cause saith my Author for five years during which space what he wanted in the retayl of advantage he made up in the gross of esteem being by that time the onely person that the people would employ and one of the three the Court would favour being excellent because industrious in a leading and an untrodden cafe Physitians they say are best like Beer when stale and Lawyers like Bread when young This person was eminent in all the periods of his Age each whereof he filled with its just and becoming accomplishment In that Lord of Nâ—rthumberland's case that pistolled himself none more subtle to argue his guilt in the Queen of Scots none more strict to keep to the law for when the Qâ—een of Scots would explain something in the Queens commission he answered We are subjects and not come hither to explain the Queens words but to perform them None more discreet and grave prefacing that great business with these wordsâ— The high and mighty Queen our Soveraign that she might not be wanting to her God her self her people or your honour sent us hither not so much to try as to clear you not so much to urge her Accusations as to hear your Defence And none more stedfast to his Soveraign for when that unfortunate Lady protested her unaccountableness to the English laws he replyed This protestation is vain for whosoever of what place soever offendeth against the Laws of England in England was subject to the same Laws and might be examined and tryed The sentence against her he declared had three things in it 1. Justice 2. Security 3. Nâ—cessity but added presently And that wisely too it should no ways prejudice King James his Title or Honour Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Bingham SIr Richard Bingham born in Binghamsâ—Melcolm in Dorsetshire of a very ancient Family in his youth travelled most parts of the world he was at the Siege of St. Quintin in France the sacking of Leith in Scotland served in Caâ—dia under the Venetians against the Turk then returned into the Netherlands being strong and fortunate in all his undertakings After all this he went into Ireland and was there President of Coâ—naught and conqueâ—ed the great and dangerous Rebel O-Rork A Gentleman this rather skilful in many mysteries than thriving in any of a fancy too high and wild too defultoâ—y and over-voluble yet Imagination hath often produced Realities and phancy done the work of Judgement as in this Gentleman whose daringness went for conduct whose spirit passed for resolution whose activity had the honour of skill and whose success the glory of prudence It 's a wonder of parts that Caesar could write read dictate and discourse at the same time it 's a miracle of fancy that this man should command a Regiment in the Netherlands preside in a province of Ireland manage a Trade in Russia carry on a plantation in America and husband a mannor in England But as the King of Spain is painted with a handful of sand running out between his fingers in reference to his many but unprofitable Dominions so might this grand Projector be described who attempted so many things that he did nothing Yet one thing his Quick-silver soul was good for and that is Stratagems Now you should have him surprize a Town by Butter-women another time by Workmen anon he would face the enemy and draw them with success upon a train of Gunpowder he would lay for them and Iron Pricksteds he would sow for them He would steal their hands and seales buy the very keys of their closets and so amuse them with letters and distract them with Jealousies while in the mean time the vigilant man alarmed them every hour of the day and each watch of the night so that he tamed those wild Irish as we do some wild beasts by watching Observations on the Life of Roger Ashcam FRom his cradle a Royal servant and to his grave a favourite a good man saith Cambden and if his ambition had been but as great as the occasion was fair a great one too Born he was honestly in Yorkshire and bred handsomely at Cambridge and both born and bred for that age which was to refine Greek and Latin to a politeness and raise them to an Eloquence He was the University-Orator at Cambridge and at Court there using his eloquence here his interest against that sacriledge that having Dined on the church as he writ came to Sup on the Universities Thence he was rather removed than advanced more suitably to his meâ—it than his expectation to be Queen Elizabeths Schoolmaster for the Latin tongue in her Sisters time and her Secretary for the same in her own What he got by his ingenuity he lost by his gaming viz. at Dice and Cock-fighting dying rich onely in those two books his estate and monument whereof the one is intituled Tâ—xophilus and the other Scholarcha He and his dear Smith were the happiest men in the nation their large and ingenious souls clasping together in an entire friendship made up of kindness and integrity apart from the little fears the jealousies the suspitions that vex mankinde What learned letters what loving expostulations what discreet intimations what faithful advertisements what indifferent community what common cares and pities how they loved how they child and how they loved again how plain how malleable how sweet What little observations upon one anothers inadvertencies neglects or miscarriages how they improved their Mollia tempora to the great end of friendship information and advice How secretly they vented their thoughts into each others breasts and there looked upon them by reflexion and the advantage of a second consideration And it 's a happiness to have another self to shew our selves to before we appear to the world that all men wish and the good men onely enjoy An honest man this that abhorred all artifice and
capable of the title or pity due to innocence theirs might claim so large a share as not possible to be too severely condemned or flightly enough punished and that with such week and inconsiderable men as were rather against the government than for one another Grey being a Puritan and Cobham a Protestant were the gâ—eatest but there is one particular more behind That he could employ his restraint so well should â—ye under the justice as well as jealousie of K. James And knowing that Princes must not pardon any able man that either they have wronged or that hath wronged them be so intent upon a foolish liberâ—y wherein he lost himself and his in that unhappy voyage of Guiana a voyage that considering King Iames his inclination to the Mâ—tch his own obnoxiousness to thaâ— King abroad and Cecil here for oâ—structing the Peace with Spain and Gondamor's vigilance must needs be as unsuccessful as it was disguâ—â—â—ul Methinks he that was of so incomparable a dexâ—eriâ—y in his judgement as the Treasurer grew jealous of his excellent parts lest he should supplant him of so quick and ready apprehension and conduct that he puzzled the Iudges at Winchesteâ— of so good a Head-piece that it was wished then on the Secretary of State 's shoulders of so considerable an interest that notwithstanâ—ng his fourteen years imprâ—sonmeâ—t Princes interceded â—or him the whole Naâ—ion pitied him and King Iames would not execute him without an Apology And to say no more of so much magnanimity that he managed his death with so high and so religious a resolution as if a Christian had acted a Roman or rather a Roman a Christian might have gone off the world at a higher rate but that there is an higher power governs wisdome as invisibly yet as really as wisdome doth the world which when I look back upon my Lord of Essex I call fate but when from him I look forward to Sir â—alter Rawleigh I believe a providence He had a good presence in a handsome and well-compacted person a strong natural wit a better judgement with a bold and plaâ—sible tongue which set off his parts to the best advantage to these he had the adjuncts of a general Learning which by diligence and experience those two great Tutors was augmented to a great perfectionâ— being an indefatigable Reader and having a very retentive memory before his Iudges at Winchester humble but not prostrate dutiful yet not deject to the Iury affâ—ble but not fawning hoping but not trusting in them carefully perswading them with reason not distemperatâ—ly importuning them with conjurations rather shewing love of life tâ—â—n fear of deâ—th patient but not careless civil but not stupid Observations on the Life of Thomas Sackvil Lord Buckhurst HE was bred in the Vniversity of Oxford where he became an excellent Poet leaving both Latine and English Poems of his to posterity Then studied he Law in the Temple and took the degree of Barrister afterwards he travelled into Forreign parts was detained for a time a Prisoner in Rome which he revenged afterwards in the Liberty of his speech at the Powder-Traytoâ—s Tryal When his liberty was procured for his return into England he possessed the vast inheritance left him by his Father whereof in short time by his magnificent prodigality he spent the greatest part till he seasonably began to spare growing neer to the bottome of his Estate The story goes that this young Gentleman coming to an Alderman of London who had gâ—ined great penny worths by his former Purchases of him was made being now in the wane of his weâ—lâ—h to wait the coming down of the Alderman so long that his generous humour being sensible of the incivility of such Attendance resolved to be no more beholding to VVealthy Pride and presently turned a thrifty improver of the remainder of his Estate But others make him as abovesaid the Convert of Queen Elizabeth his Coâ—sinâ—German once removed who by her frequent Admonitions diverted the torâ—ent of his profusion Indeed she would not know him till he began to know himself and then heaped places of Hâ—nour and Trust upon him creating him 1â— Bâ—ron of Bâ—ckâ—urst in Sussâ—x Anno Dom. 1566. 2. Sending him Amabssador into France Anno 1571. Into the Law-Countries Anno Dom. 1576. 3. Making him Knight of the Order of the Garter Anno 1589. 4. Appointing him Treasurer of England 1599. He was Chancellour of the University of Oxford where he entertained Queen Elizabeth with a most sumptuous Feast He was called the Star-Chamber-â—â—ll so very flowing his invention and therefore no wonder if his Secretaries could not please him being a person of so quick dispaâ—ch faculties which yet run in the blood He took â— Roll of the names of all Sutors with the Date of their first Addresses and these in order had their hearing so that a Fresh-man could not leap over the head of his Senior except in urgent Affairs of State Thus having made 〈◊〉 â—nds to his house for his mispent time both in iâ—â—â—ease of Estate and Honour being created Earl of Dorset by King James he died on the 19 th of April 1608. The Lord Buckhurst was of the noble house of the Sackvils and of the Queens consanguinity his Father was that provident and wise man Sir Richard Sackvil or as the people then called him Fill-sack by reason of his great wealth and the vasâ— Patrimony which he left to this his son whereof he spent in his youth the best part untill the Queen by her frequent admonitions diverted the torrent of his profusion he was a very fine Gentleman of person and endowments both of Art and Nature His elocution is much commended but the excellency of his Pen more for he was a Scholar and a person of quick faculties very facete and choice in his phrase and style He was wise and stout nor was he any ways insnared in 〈◊〉 factions of the Court which were all his time very strong He stood still in grace and was wholly intentive to the Queens service and such were his abilities that she received assiduous proofs of his sâ—fficiency As 1. In his Embassie to Fâ—ance whereas the Queen-Mother complemented him he behaved himself very worthy of his Mistresses Majesty and his own Peerage there he had an experienced Tuscan Calacanâ—i by â—â—me to deal wiâ—h that Florentine Queen â— Montmorancy's brother to undermins the Guises and his own great parts to grapple with old Hospital He began that subtile piece the French Match under pretence whereof we â—alanced and understood Europeâ— nd Walsingham finished it 2. In his Negotiations in the Low-Countries where he watched Leicester and the Commanders he obsâ—â—â—â—d the States and their changeable and various Interests accommodating the present emergencies and suiting their occasions They that censure this Nobleman's death consider not besides the black worm and the white day and night as the Ridddle is that are gnawing constantly at the root of the Tree of Life There aâ—e many
pleasure to those that looked on it than the other did service to those that employed it His meen deserving preferment from the favour of a Soveraign and his parts gaining it from his justice Fortune did him not so much wrong in his mean Birth as he did himself right by great merit so worthy a Prince's service and a Courts favour He read and saw what others did but not with others apprehensions his judgment of things being not common nor his observations low flat or vulgar but such as became a breast now furnishing it self for business and for government There was an ancient custom to celebrate the Anniversary of the King's Coronation with all the Shews of Magnificence and joy which the Art or Affections of the People could invent and because we are esteemed the Warlik'st Nation in the whole world to continue that just regulation we declined all those effeminacies which are so predominant in other Courts and absolutely addicted our selves to such Martial exercises as are nothing less pleasing and delightful than the other and yet fit and prepare men more for the real use of Arms and acquisition of glory Here our Knights praise came to my Lord of Carlisle's notice who first designed him a Commander but finding his Genius more courtly than Martial more learned than active recommended him to his Majesties softer services where none more obliging to the People by his industry and interest at Court none more serviceable to his Majesty by the good name he gained in the Countrey So careful was he of publick content that from five to nine his Chamber was open to all Comers where you would find him with the one hand making himself ready with the other receiving Letters and in all this hurry of Business giving the most orderly clear and satisfactory dispatches of any Statesman at that time From nine to one he attended his Master to whom he had as easie access as he gave to his People Two things set him up 1. A fair respect from his Master upon all occasions and as fair a treatment of the People He had his distinct Classis of Affairs and his distinct Officers for those Classis The order and method whereof incredibly advanced his dispatch and eased his burden which took up his day so that there remained but some hours he stole from night and sleep for his beloved and dear Studies and King Iames said he was the hardest Student in White-Hall and therefore he did not alwayes trouble his Master with business but sometimes please him with discourse If Fortune had been as kind to him as Nature greater Employments had been at once his honour and his business But from all his services and performances he derived no other advantage than the acting of them and at his death he left no other wealth behind him but that of a high reputation never arriving at those enjoyments that enhance our Cares not having time to withdraw himself from those cares that take away the relish of our enjoyments Observations on the Life of Sir Fulke Grevil SIr Fulk Grevil Son to Sir Fulke Grevil the elder of Becham Court in Warwick-shire descended from VVilloughby Lord Brook and Admiral to Hen. 7. was bred first in the University of Cambridge He came to the Court back'd with a full and fair Estate and Queen Elizabeth loved such substantial Courtiers as could plentifully subsist of themselves He was a good Scholar loving much to employ and sometimes to advance learned men to whom worthy Bishop Ovâ—ral chiefly owed his Preferment and Mr. Camâ—den by his own confession feasted largely of his Liberality His studies were most in Poetry and History as his Works do witness His stile conceived by some to be swelling is allowed lofty and full by others King Iames created him Baron Brook of Beauchamp-Court as descended from the sole Daughter and Heir of Edward Willoughby last Lord Brook in the Reign of King Henry the 7th His sad death or murther rather happened on this occasion His discontented servant conceiving his deserts not soon or well enough rewarded wounded him mortally and then to save the Law the labour killed himself verifyâ—ng the observation that he may when he pleaseth be master of another mans life who contemneth his own He lyeth buried in Warwick Church under a Monument of black and white Marble whereon he is stiled Servant to Queen Elizabeth Counsellour to King Iames and Friend to Sir Philip Sidney Though a Favourite he courts Ladies rather than Honour and pursued his study rather than his ambition being more contemplative than active Others ministred to Queen Elizabeths government this Gentleman to her Recreation and Pleasures He came to Court when all men should young and stayed there until he was old his fortune being as smooth as his spirit and the Queens favour as lasting as his merit He bred up Statesmen but was none Sir William Pickering was like to have gained the Queens Bed by studying Sir Philip Sidney had her Heart for writing and Sir Fulke Grevil had her favour for both one great argument for his worth was his respect of the worth of others desiring to be known to posterity under no other notions than of Shakespear's and Ben Iohnson's Master Chancellor Egerton's Patron Bishop Overal's Lord and Sir Philip Sidney's Friend His soul had the peace of a great fortune joyned to a greater mind His worth commended him to Majesty his affableness indeared him to the popularity his mornings were devoted to his Books his afternoons to his knowing Friends his nights to his debonair Acquaintance He was the Queens Counsellor for persons as others were for matters and things Sweet was his disposition winning his converse fluent his discourse obliging his looks gestures and expressions publick his spirit and large his soul his Genius prompted him to prepare himself for Domestick services by Forreign employments but the great Mistriss of her Subjects affections and duties forbad it and his own prudence checked it So dear was he to the Queen that when his horses were shipped at Dover for the Netherlands her Mandate by Sir Edward Dier stopped him When he went over with Walsingham he was remanded and when with Leicester he was checked He was the exact image of action and quiet happily united in him seldom well divided in any He would have acted his great principles of Government yet he could be confined only to write them He could sit down with some Poetick and polite Characters of Vertue when he was debarred the real â—â—ercises of it He had kept Essex his head on had not that unhappy man's Parasites made the Earl deaf to his â—â—â—nsels and his Enemies removed him from his pâ—â—â—â—nce under a pretence of guarding the Seas against his Enemies while his Kinsman was betrayed by his Friends Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Cecil SIr Robert Cecil since Earl of Salisbury was the Heir of the Lord Burleigh's prudence the inheritour of his favour and by
force of Circumstances the errors of Comparison or the cautions of Application I like his Apology for his severity to the Clergy that he was austere to prevent others being cruel as well as his zeal for the Protestant Religion onely his Principles betrayed his profession which he rendered too obnoxious while he supported it by those novel grounds which our Adversaries could make us confess were Heterodox and by those streight-laced foundations which we saw our selves too narrow As for instance King Iames his vast capacity took him up once for making the Scripture the onely rule of Civil Affairs owning the piety but observing to his face the imprudence of that assertion Imprudence I say as for many reasons so for this because to assert a truth upon a weak principle is to tempt the world to doubt of the strength of the first when they see the weakness of the other Whether he went off in discontent and said He would not attend at the Councel-Table because he should not wait at the Altar Whether he had such malignant followers as called themselves Nicodemites or Night-Disciples Whether he turned noon-day into mid-night and mid-night into noon-day having a candle always burning in his Chamber or if so for what reason I would not have one of my years determine but rather refer the present age to his Contemporaries pen which describes him thus A very learned man he was his Erudition all of the old stamp fitly principled in the Doctrine of S. Augustine pious grave and exemplary in his Conversation But some think him a better man than Arch-Bishop and that he was better qualified with merit for the Dignity than with a spirit answering the Function in the exercise whereof he was conceived too facile and yielding his extraordinary remisness in not exacting strict Conformity to the prescribed Orders of the Church in point of Ceremony seemed to resolve those legal Determinations to their first Principle of Indifference and led in such an habit of Inconformity as the future reduction of those tender-conscienced men to long discontinued obedience was interpreted an innovation as if he thought it might fall out in Politicks as it doth sometimes in Physick bina venena juvant that the two contrary poysons of Superstition and Innovation might prove a Cordial to the Church Observations on the Life of Sir George Calvert SIr George Calvert was bred first in Trinity-Colledge in Oxford and then beyond the Seas His Abilities commended him first to be Secretory to Robert Cecil Earl of Salisbury Lord Treasurer of England Afterwards he was made Clerk of the Council and at last principal Secretary of State to King Iames succeeding Sir Tâ—o Lake in that Office Anno 1619. Conceiving the Duke of Buckingham highly instrumental in his preferment he presented him with a Jewel of great value which the Duke returned him again not owning any Activity in his Advancement whom King Iames ex mero motu reflecting on his Abilities designed for the Place This Place he discharged five years until he willingly resigned the same 1624. on this occasion He freely confessed himself to the King that he was then become a Roman Catholick so that he must either be wanting to his Trust or violate his conscience in discharging his Office This his Ingenuity so highly affected King Iames that he continued him Privy-Councellor all his Reign and soon after created him Lord Baltemore of Baltemore in Ireland During his being Secretary he had a Patent to him and his Heirs to be Absolutus Dominus Proprietarius with the Royalties of a Count Palatine of the Province of Avalon in the New-found land a place so named by him in imitation of old Avalon in Somersetshire wherein Glassenbury stands the first-fruits of Christianity in Britain as the other was in that part of America Here he built a fair house in Ferry-land and spent twenty five thousand pounds in advancing the Plantation thereof Indeed his publick spirit consulted not his private profit but the enlargement of Christianity and the Kings Dominions in that his ancient primitive and heroick work of planting the world After the death of King Iames he went twice in person to New-found land Here when Mounsieur de l' Arade with three men of War sent from the King of France had reduced our English Fishermen to great extreamity this Lord with two Ships manned at his own charge chased away the Frenchmen relieved the English and took sixty of the French Prisoners He removed afterwards to Virginia to view those parts and thence camâ— into England and obtained of King Charles the first who had as great an esteem of and affection for him as King Iames a Patent to him and his Heirs for Mary-Land on the North of Virginia with the same Title and Royalties conferred on him as in Avalon aforesaid now a hopeful Plantation peopled with eight thousand English Souls which in process of time may prove more advantageous to our Nation Judg Popham and Sir George Calvert agreed not more unanimously in the publick design of Planting than they differed in the private way of it the first was for extirpating Heathens the second for converting them He sent away the lewdest this the soberest people the one was for present profit the other for a reasonable expectation it being in the case of planting Countreys as in that of planting Woods you must account to lose almost twenty years profit and expect your recompence in the end it being necessary the Province should first find her self and then enrich you The Judge was for many Governors the Secretary for few and those not concerned Merchants but unconcerned Gentlemen The one granted Liberties without any restraint the other with great caution The first set up a common Stock out of which the Island should be provided for by proportions the second left every one to provide for himself Two things are eminent in this man 1. That though he was a Catholick yet kept he himself sincere and disingaged from all Interests and though a man of great judgment yet not obstinate in his sentiments but taking as great pleasure in hearing others opinions as in delivering his own which he heard moderated and censured with more patience than applauded 2. That he carried a digested and exact account of Affairs to his Master every night and took to himself the pains to examine the Letters which related to any Interest that might be any ways considerable He was the onely States-man that being engaged to a decryed party yet managed his business with that huge respect for all sides that all who knew him applauded him and none that had any thing to do with him complained of him Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Chichester SIr Arthur Chichester spent his youth first in the University then in the French and Irish Wars where by his valour he was effectually assistantâ— First to plough and break up that barbarous Nation by Conquest and then to sow it with seeds
advice to my Lord of Essex was 1. Not to trust himself because they that stand by see more than they that play the game 2. To yield to Time and Fortune and not do that for his Enemies which they could never do for themselves 3. To have a careful eye upon those actions on which he knew there were many envious ones And for himself his supplication to King Iames was That since his conceit and sense was grown so heavy his Memory decay'd his Judgement weak his Hearing imperfect and his Voice faltering he might desinere potiùs quam deficere and retire from his Business to his Meditation as he did while living imparting many mysteries of the Chancery and when dying bequeathing as many choice Books and Directions to his then Chaplain and his after-Successor Doctor Williams Secretary Winwood having received the Seal and left this gracious Message with this good man that his Majesty would be his Under-keeper and not dispose of it while he lived to bear the name of Chancellor nor did any receive the Seal out of the Kings sight while he lived to bear the name of Chancellor A company of Citizens got a Cause passed by keeping a Witness away in this manner one of them gets him to the Tavern and there leaves him with a quart of Sack before him and the glass at his mouth and swears in open Court that he left him in a condition wherein if he continueth but two hours he is a dead man The other Party find out the cheat and have their remedy in Chancery Sir Edward Cook brings the matter to the Star-Chamber and threatneth the Chancellor with a Pâ—emuâ—nire The business is debated and sentence passed for my Lord Chancellor with the comfort whereof and the Kings and Princes Letter to him upon his Death-bed he went to his Grave Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Iustice Popham SIr Iohn Popham in his youthful days was a stout and skilful man at Sword and Buckler as any in that Age and wild enough in his Recreations But oh saith my Author if Quicksilver could be really fixed to what a treasure would it amount Such is wild youth seriously reduced to gravity as by this youngâ— man did appear who applyed himself to a more profitable Fencing the study of the Laws therein attaining to such eminency that he became the Queenâ— Attorney afterwards Lord Chief-Justice of Eâ—gland Being sent Anno 1600. by the Queen with some others to the Earl of Essex to know the cause of the confluence of so many Military men unto his house the Soldiers therein detained him for a time which some made tantamount to an Imprisonment This his violent detention Sir Iâ—hn deposed upon his Oath at the Earl's Tryal which I note the rather for the rarity thereof that a Lord Chief-Justice should be produced as Witness in open Court In the beginning of the Reign of King Iameâ— his justice was exemplary on Thieves and Robbers The Land then swarmed with people which had been Soldiers who had never gotten or eâ—se quite forgotten any other Vocation Hard it was for Peace to feed all the idle mouths which a former War did breed being too proud to beg too lazy to labour Those infested the High-wayes with their Fellonies some presuming on their multitudes as the Robber on the Northern Rode whose knot otherwise not to be untied Sir Iohn cut asunder with the Sword of Justice He possessed King Iames how the frequent granting of Pardons was prejudicial to Justice rendring the Judges to the contempt of insolent Malefactors which made his Majesty more sparing afterwards in that kind In a word the deserved death of some scores preserved the lives and livelihoods of some thousands Travellers owing their safety to this Judges severity many years after his death Neither did he onely punish Malefactors but provide for them for observing that so many suffered and died for none other reason but because they could not live in England now grown too populous for it's self and breeding more Inhabitants than it could keep he first set up the discovery of New-England to maintain and employ those that cou'd not live honestly in the old being of opinion that banishment thither would be as well a more lawful as a more effectual remedy against those extravagancies the Authors whereof judge it more eligible to hang than to work to end their dayes in a moment than to continue them in pains onely a great Judgment observes it is a shameful and an unblessed thing to take the scum of people and wicked condemned men to be the people with whom to plant And not onely so but it spoyleth the Plantation for they will ever live like Rogues and not fall to work and do mischief and spend Victuals and be quickly weary and then certifie over to the Countrey to the disgrace of the Common-wealth Observations on the Life of Sir Robert Dudley SIr Robert Dudley son to Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester by Douglas Shefield whether his Mistriss or his Wife God knows was born at Shene in Surrey and bred by his Mother out of his Fathers reach at Offington in Sussex where he became a most compleat Gentleman in all suitable Accomplishments endeavouring in the Reign of King Iames to prove his Legitimacy and meeting with much opposition from the Court in distaste he left his Land and went over into Italy But worth is ever at home and carrieth its own welcome along with it Therefore he became a Favourite to the Duke of Florence who highly reflected on his Abilities and used his Directions in all his Buildings At this time Legorn from a Child started to a Man without ever being a youth and of a small Town grew a great City on a sudden and is much-beholding to this Sir Robert for its Fairness and Firmness as chief contriver of both But by this time his Adversaries in England had procur'd him to be call'd home by a special Privy-Seal which he refused to obey and thereupon all his Lands in England were seised upon by the King by the Statute of Fugitives These losses doubled the love of the Duke of Florence unto him And indeed Sir Robert was a much-meriting person on many Accounts being an Excellent 1 Mathematician especially for the Practical part thereof in Architecture 2 Physician his Catholicâ—n at this day finding good Esteem amongst those of that Faculty 3 Navigator especially in the Western Seas Indeed long before his leaving of England whilest as yet he was Rectus in Curiâ— well esteemed in Queen Elizabeths Court he sailed with three small Ships to the Isle of Trinidad in which voyage he sunk and took nine Spanish Ships whereoâ— one an Armada of 600 Tun. He was so acceptable to Ferdinand the second Emperour of Germany that by his Letters Patents bearing date at Vienna March 9â— 1620. he conferred on him and his Heirs the Title of a Duke of the Sacred Empire Understand it a Title at large as that
was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and vigorously pursued the Principles of his Predecessors for the civilizing thereof Indeed the Lord Mountjoy reduced that Countrey to obedience the Lord Chichester to some civility and this Lord Grandison first advanced it to considerable profit to his Master T. Walsingham writeth that Ireland afforded unto Edward the third thirty thousand pounds a year paid into his Exchequer but it appears by the Irish Records which are rather to be believed that it was rather a burthen and the constant Revenue thereof beneath the third part of that proportion But now the Kingdom being peaceably setled the income thereof turned to good Account so that Ireland called the Land of Ire for the constant broils therein for four hundred years was now become the Land of Concord This noble Person recalled into England lived many years in great repute leaving his Honours to his Sisters son by Sir Edward Villiers but the main of his Estate to his Brothers son Sir Iohn St. Iohn Knight and Baronet So sweet and charming his Conversation that he was beloved by all his Superiours and envied by no Inferiour being never advanced to any great Dignity but he was wished to a greater So exact his vigilancy so constant his industry so plausible his actions attended with no less civility to all men than duty to his Soveraign So frank and ingenious his Integrity that none feared him so discreet his management of Business and so strong his judgement that any might confide in him One he was that crossed the Italian Proverb Di Dunaridi senno e di fede In e Mancho che non Crede having more money more faith yea and more wisdom too than was generally esteemed I mean wisdom of behaviour wisdom of business and wisdom of State in the last whereof he aimed at a general settlement which he observed would bear particular errors provided that Care Labour Vigilancy and prudent inquietâ—de attended that forceth Difficulties constrains Fortune assures good Counsels corrects bad supports and overthroweth designs disposeth of accidents abserveth time manageth hazards forgets nothing seldom trusts others and improveth all Occurrents and that first maxime of Policy he observed That who layeth out most layeth out least that petty frugalities undo the main Interest Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Overbury SIr Thomas Overbury son to Sir Nicholas Overbury one of the Judges of the Marches was born at Burton on the Hill in Gloucestershire bred in Oxford and attained to be a most accomplished Gentleman partly at Grayes-Inn and partly in France which the happiness of his Pen both in Poetry and Prose doth declare In the later he is observed to be the first writer of Characters of our Nation But if the great parts of this Gentleman were guilty of Insolence and Petulancy which some since have charged on his memory reporting of him that he should say Somerset owed his advancement to him and that he should walk with his hat on before the queen we may charitably presume that his reduced age would have corrected such Juvenile extravagancies It is questionable whether Robert Carr Earl of Somerset were more in the favour of King Iames or this Sir Thomas Overbury in the favour of the Earl of Somerset until he lost it by disswading that Lord from keeping company with a Lady the Wife of another person of honour as neither for his credit here or comfort hereafter Soon after Sir Thomas was by King Iames designed Embassador for Russia His false friends perswaded him to decline the Employment as no better than an honourable Grave Better lye some days in the Tower than more months in a worse Prison A ship by Sea and a barbarous cold Countrey by Land Besides they possessed him that within a small time the King should be wrought to a good opinion of him But he that willingly goes into a Prison out of hope to come easily out of it may stay therein so long till he be too late convinced of another Judgement Whilest Sir Thomas was in the Tower his Refusal was presented to the K. as an Act of high Contempt as if he valued himself more than the Kings service His strict restraint gave the greater liberty to his enemies to practice his death 1615. which was by poyson performed Yet was his blood legally revenged which cost some a violent and others a civil death as deprived of their Offices The Earl was soon abated in King Iames his affection Oh! the short distance betwixt the cooling and quenching of a Favourite being condemned and banished the Court. Exact are the remarks he drew up of Foreign Countreys therefore no less such his transactions for his own In this most esteemed with King Iames and his Master that he suited both their Genius's in the easie and clear method wherein he expressed the most difficult and knotty Affairs for they both being perplexed with that variety of Affairs in general that they could not readily look into difficult Cases in particular loved those that made things out easie and clear to them as well fitted for their apprehensions as obvious to their judgement owning a Soul so quiet that abate its youthful extravagancies it knew not a motion but what was Duty and Interest felt no agitation but what was reason and what Philosophy conveyed into the souls of the wisest and observation inâ—nâ—ated into the spirit of the closest if he expectâ—d a recompence suitable to his services or an acknowledgment answerable to his merit he understood not the humour and nâ—ture of mankind the interest of Fâ—vourites or his oâ—n Parts too guilty of repâ—tâ—tion to be advanced and of power not to be suppressed It 's Mâ—chiâ—vel's rule That they who rise very high should desceâ—d timely and qâ—it the envy lest they lose the honour of their greâ—tness Although this Gentleman's skill in accommodating Factions in the Art of Negotiation in the charm oâ— Language in the Iâ—terest of Princes in masteâ—ing his oâ—n Resentments as well as his Enemies thâ—t provokâ—d him hâ—d preserved him if he had known as well how to hold his Tongâ—e as how to speak if he had understood otheâ—s humours as well as they did his and if he had skilled as well frâ—m whom to have refused kindness as from whom he deserved it In a woâ—d he that considered so many other Maximes was defective in complyance with his own viz. That vertue is there unprofitâ—â—le where too great and that many had lost the favour of their Masters by over-much meriting it Observations on the Life of Sir Clem. Edmonds SIr Clement Edmonds that learned and judicious Remembrancer of the City of London was born at Shratvardine in Shropshire and bred Feâ—low of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford being generally skilled in all Arts and Sciences witness his faithful Translations of and learned Illustrations on Caesar's Commentaries Say not that Comment on Commentary was false Heraldry seeing it is so worthy a work that the
Expedition and Civility made him the great Master of Requests at Court so his Marriage with the Heir-general of the Dennies should get him an Estate in the Countrey wherewith he compleated his kindness with bounty and adoâ—ned his bounty with courtesie Courtesie not affected but naturally made up of humility that secured him from Envy and a Civility that kept him in esteem he being happy in an expression that was high and not formal and a Language that was Courtly and yet real Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Lake SIr Thomas Lake was bred a Scholar under Saravia in Hampshire a States-man under Sir Francis Walsingham at Court where such his dexterity and dispatch that he would indite write and discourse at the same time more exactly than most men could severally perform them being then called the Swift-sure such his celerity and solidity in all Affairs From the Secretaries Amanuensis he was promoted the Queens Clerk of the Signet to whom he read French and Latine to her dying day for he was reading to her when the Countess of Warwick told him that the Queen was departed In which Tongues she often said he surpassed her Secretaries Such his sufficiency especially in keeping secrets that King Iames employed him in some French Affairs at his first arrival without Cecil and afterwards as Secretary of State above him For King Iames that loved what ever was facile and fluent being taken among other his Abilities with his Latine pen said that he was a Minister of State fit to serve the greatest Prince in Europe and that the Secretaries place needed him more than he it Of whom I have no more to add but that he was one of the three noble hands that first led Mr. George Villiers to King Iames his Favour Observations on the Life of Lyonel Cranfield Earl of Middlesex SIr Lyonel was born in Basinghal-street a Citizen bred in the Custome-house a Merchant-Adventurer his own Tutor and his own University though his Family was ancient in Gloucestershire and his Arms in the Heralds Office King Iames was taken with him for his brief clear strong and pertinent discourses The Duke of Buckingham was displeased because he would stand without him yea in some things against him many were as active as this stirring Lord none more exact his presence was comely his countenance cheerful and grave his soul witty and wise his apprehension quick and solid his thoughts setled and resolved When one asked him how a man might prevent death he said Get to be Lord-Treasurer for none died in that Office Though no Scholar yet was he bountiful to Scholars though a Courtier yet was he hospitable in the Countrey though he suffered much yet was he contented and though he lost much yet was he charitable Very serviceable he was to the State in the business of Trade in general but most in that of the Custom-house in particular His first preferment was the custody of the Wardrobe his second was the Mastership of the Couâ—t of Wards and Liveries and his third the Treasurer-ship of England In the last whereof his improvement of the Revenue gained him not more honour with the King than it dâ—d him envy from the Courtiers While to piece out the Treasure with the expence he husbanded the one so thriftily and retrenched the other so rigidly that malice it self after many attempts to that purpose could find no fault with his exact account in the boundless trust of the tempting Treasury When the Prince was in Spain he was the Staâ—esman of the Council-Table and the chief Minister of the Cabal managing all the Dispatches and overlooking all the Expences In the last of which services he ran counter to the Duke of Buckingham's inclination and his own Interest which was to keep himself up by that noble Person 's favour as he rose by his Alliance The occasion of his preferment might be some saving secrets of the Custome-house-men to improve the Revenue the reason of his decline was some thrifty suggestion touching the Courtiers to preserve it This is certain he was a man fit for government who quickly apprehended where any evil was and had capacity enough to apply the remedy onely he had a little too stiffe a nature that would not easily yield when he found on which side there was most reason and too much of the City in his maximes which pretended to attain to that in a short time which Politicians think not proper to arrive at but by a leasurely fuccession of Ages and Generations Observations on the Life of Henry Howard Earl of Northampton THis Family had endeared it self to many Kings by its services but to none more than King Iames by its obligations Thomas Duke of Norfolk being as it were his Mothers Martyr executed for a design to marry her and all his Relations his confessors kept under for their inclinations to advance him Reasonable therefore it was that my Lord that Dukes brother should be made Baron of Marnhill Earl of Northampton Knight of the Garter Privy-Councellor Lord Privy Seal and Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports Learning in any man had King Iames his affection especially in a Noble-man as our States-man who was as serious a Student in Kings-Colledge and Trinity-Hall in Cambridge as a discerning observator in Rome and Florence in Italy His Dispensative against the suppased poyson of Prophesies dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham bespeaks him a great and a general Scholar His Speeches at Cambridge and in Star-Chamber argue him both witty and wise His expences shewed him publick-spirited the unparallel'd port of his Family and dependants an Ancient Noble-man His designing of Audley-End and building of Suffolk-house an Architect His Hospital for twâ—lve poor women and a Governour at Rise in Norfolk for twelve poor men and a Goveâ—nour at Clin in Shropshire for twenty poor men and a Governour at Greenwich in Kent whereof eight to be chosen out of Shose-Sham where he was born a charitable man his using of all his interest to avoid the burthen and weight of the Treasurer's place and procure it for the Earl of Suffolk his Nephew his noble disposition not to advance himself by Court-flattery or his fortune by State employment being a Batchellour and a Student An instance of my Lord Bacon's observation He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune for they are Impediments to great Enterprizes either to Vertue or Mischief Certainly the best works and of greatest merit for the Publick proceed from the unmarried and the Childeless which both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick But to conclude this particular this Lord told his intimate Secretary Mr. George Penny who related it to my Author that his Nativity at his Fathers desire was calculated by a skilful Italian Astrologer who told him that this his Infant-son should taste of much trouble in the middest of his life even to the want of a meals meat but his old age should make amends
tears of Contrition for his Sins to God and thankfulness for this Mercy using mary piâ—us Ejaculations embraced all these Actors in the former Tragedy when the poor fellow also kist the King's hand These circumstances gave occasion then that this whole story was freshly revived to the common Satisfaction of the whole Countrey and our English Courtiers And in especial unto the very reverend Bishop and nobly born Iames Mountague then present to whom the King addressed himself in this Relatiâ—n and from whose Mouth saith the Relator I received these particulars at his return into England And thus much we have by word of mouth somewhat I shall add out of writings for more satisfaction This Treason was attempted the fourth of Augâ—st 1600. And though there followed sundry Susâ—itions and Examinations of several other Persons supposed Abettors and Contrivers yet it lay undiscovered tanquam e post liminio until eight years after by the circumspection principally of the â—arl of Dunbar a man of as great wisdom as those tâ—mes and that Kingdom could boast of upon the â—eâ—son of onâ— Geoâ—ge Sâ—roâ— Notary-publick of Aâ—emouth in Scotland from some words which at first he sparingly or unawares expressed and also by some papers which were found in his house whereof being examin'd with a little ado he confessed and was condemned and executed at Edenburgh the 12th of Aâ—g 1608. A Relation I conceive not common but in my hands to be produced and written by that learned Gentleman William Hart then Lord Iustice of Scoâ—land and Principal in all the Acts of Judicature herein Neither of these Lords professed any skilâ— in Politicks yet neither wanted a strong judgment which they could make good use of in time and place convenient giving testimonies in those Employments they had of a strict secrecy a great moderation and a happy compliance with opportunity Qualities exceedingly well lodged in men of Interest and Command especially in these two who neither too easily closed with others resolutions nor too obstinately adhered to their own one of which was alwayes to suspect men of new words as much as men of new opinions because to flye from proper School terms to vulgar conceptions is a way seldome troden but by false Prophets and Seditious Orators who have done this onely good in the world that from their collition a considerable deal of light hath proceeded towards the clearing of several points in Philosophy and Religion in the speculations whereof the men whose lives are so practical and involved in business are not so distinct being not at leisure to quest at every Lark which men spring in either though otherwise the best qâ—alified for sâ—ch undertakings because men of most judgement and experience and of â—he least passion and prejudice and by so much the less impetuous and censorious by how much the more judicious and discreet and by so much the more value in the Eyes of others by how much the less they are in their own who have this aâ—vantâ—ge in controversies that their Religion is thougâ—t as much better than their Adversaries as their Charity and moderation is greater Observations on the Fall of Sir Tho. Lake A Great Estate this Gentleman had honestly got and a greater esteem being King Iames his right hand and the Scots both hands that with which they begged and that with which they bestowed the instrument of the meaner sorts relief and the greaters bounty until that Malice and Revenge two violent passions over-ruling the Weaker Sex concerning his Wife and daughter involved him in their quarrel the chief and onely cause of his ruine He had by his Wife sons and daughters His eldest married unto the Lord Baron Resse in right of a Grandmother the son of Thomas Earl of Exeter by a foâ—mer venter And upon the credit of Sir Thomas Lake he was sent Embassador Extraordinary into Spain in a very gallant Equipage with some hopes of â—is own to continue Lieger to save charges of transmitting any other In his absence there fell out an extream deadly fewd 't is no matter for what between the Lady Lake and the Countess of Exeter A youthful Widow she had been and vertuous and so became Bedfellow to this aged gowty diseased but noble Earl And that preferment had made her subject to Envy and Malice Home comes the Lord Rosse from his Embassie when being fallen into some neglect of his Wâ—fe and his kindred I conceive upon refusal of an increase of allowance to her settlement of Ioynture which was promised to be compleated at his return not long he stays in England but away he gets into Italy turns a professed Roman Catholick being cozened into that Religion by his publick Confident Gondamore In this his last absence never to return the Mother and Daughter accuse the Countess of former Incontinency with the Lord Râ—sse whilest he was here and that therefore upon his Wives discovery he was fled from hence and from her Marriage-Bed with other devised Calumnies by several designs and contrivements to have poysoned the Mother and Daughter This quarrel was soon blazon'd at Court to the King's ear who as privately as could be singly examines each party The Countess with tears and imprecations professeth her Innocency which to oppose the Mother Lake and her Daughter counterfeit her hand to a whole sheet of Paper wherein they make the Counâ—ess with much contrition to acknoâ—ledge her self guilty crave pardon for attempting to poyson them and desire friendship with them all The King gets sight of this as in favour to them and demands the time place and occasion when this should be writ They tell him that all the parties met in a visit at Wimbleton the house of the Lord of Exeter where in dispute of their differences she confesses her guilt of attempting their poyson And being desirous of absolution and friendship being required thereto consents to set down all Circumstances therein under her own hand which presently she writ at the Window in the upper end of the great Chamber at Wimbleton in presence of the Mother and Daughter the Lord Rosse and one Diego a Spaniard his confiding Servant But now they being gone and at Rome the King forthwith sends Mr. Dendy one of his Serjeants at Armes sometimes a Domestick of the Earl of Exeters an honest and worthy Gentleman post to Rome who speedily returns with Rosse and Diego's hand and other testimonials confirming That all the said Accusation and Confession Suspitions and Papers concerning the Countess were notorious false and scandalous and confirms it by receiving the Hoast in assurance of her Honour and his Innocency The King well satisfied sends to the Countesses Friends and Trustees for her Ioynture and Estate who comparing many of her letters with this Writing do confess it counterfeit Then he tells the Mother and Daughter That this writing being denied by her and their testimonies being parties would not prevail with any belief but any other Additional witness would give it
then as Sir George Villiers friend who promoted him to be Secretary of State Ian. 8. 1617. as his Majesty did a while after to be Mr. of the Wards The first place whereof he discharged with as much ability and dexterity as he did the second with integrity onely he was observed close-handed whether out of his natural inclination to Parsimony or some fixed design to regulate and reduce the great expences of this Nation or from some hidden and refined politick consideration that that might be done by a wary observation of men's integrity and inclination which was usually done with money and indeed as a great man observeth to procure good information of particulars touching persons their natures their desires and ends their customs and fashions their helps and advantages and whereby they chiefly stand So again their weaknesses and disadvantages and where they lye most open and obnoxious their friends â—actions and dependencies and again their opposites envyers and Competitors their moods and times their principles rules observations c. their actions how conducted how favoured how opposed c. is the onely way of success in business and of prevailing in fortune especially if attended with this Gentleman 's two master-Qualities 1. Reservedness the security 2. Slowness of belief the sinew of wisdom Finding his temper agreeable with the University he allowed himself more scope and liberty but observing his particular constitution not suitable to the general state of his times the whole course of his life was more close retyred and reserved opening it self but with an half-light and a full advantage and what he was to others he believed all others were to him as hardly trusting them as he was understood himself unless surprized in his countenance by the motions of it or in his actions by the suddenness of them or in his temper by his passion but as far as can be guessed from the Letters that passed between them about the Palatinate He was of the same make in the State as Arch-Bishop Abbot was in the Church zealous and sullen if others had a better wit than he in abusing him he had a better memory than they to think of it for one Mr. Wiemark a wealthy man a great Nâ—vilant and constant Paul's walker hearing the news that day of the beheading of Sir Walter Rawleigh His head said he would do well upon the shoulders of Sir Robert Naunton Secretary of State These words were complained of and Wiemark summoned to the Privy-Council where he pleaded for himself that he intended no disrespect to Mr. Secretary whose known worth was above all detraction onely he spake in reference to an old proverb Two heads are better than one and for the present he was dismissed Not long after when rich men were called on for a contribution to St. Pauls Wiemark at Council-Table subscribed a hundred pounds but Mr. Secretary told him Two hundred were better than one which betwixt fear and charity Wiemark was fain to subscribe Neither was he sooner up than he gave his Colleague and Successor in the Orators place Sir Francis Nethersole his hand to advance him too whom after his elegant Speech on Prince Henry we find a prudent Agent with the Princes of the Union and a faithful Secretary to the Queen of Bohemia for whom he did much and suffered more Yet was he lately alive and as charitable in his elder years as ever he was noble in his younger Observations on the Life of Sir Arthur Ingram SIr Arthur had wit in Italy where he was a Factor and wealth in London where he was a Merchant to be first a Customer and then a Cofferer to that King who had this happiness that he understood so much of all his affairs as to make a judgement of what persons might be most serviceable to him in each of them So pragmatical a person as this Gentleman was necessary among the Custom-house-men who were about to engross all the wealth of the Kingdom and as useful among the Green-cloath-men who shared amongst themselves vast Concealments The activity of his head had undone him had not the odium of it been allayed by the discretion of his tongue whatever he spake being naturally accompanied with such a kind of modesty and affability as gained the affection and attracted the respect of all that conversed with him onely some wary men were jealous of that watchful and serene habit he had attained to in every conference and action as well to observe as to act though it was more than they needed he having not that good stay and hold of himself his much observing tempting him to much medling though never more need of it than at that time when ninety and odd thousand pounds were spent upon the Palsgrave to reimburse which money he set up the improvement of Coyn the Farthings the borrowing of money of the Customers and as many other Projects to get money as others had to spend it Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Yelverton THis Gentleman's relation to Sir Thomas Overbury brought him to the Earl of Somerset's service and my Lord of Somerset's service recommended him to the Kings favour whereby he was at first his Counsel learned and afterwards his Attorney-General in which last place his duty enjoyned him the impeachment of that Earl but his gratitude forbad him Loth he was to refuse his Masters command more loth to have a hand in his Patrons ruine his civility outweighed his prudence and his obligations his safety for refusing to implead his Mr. as a great Delinquent at the Bar he was sent by the Council as a greater to the Tower where he continued until as some say the Duke of Buckingham came to him at midnight and hearing from him such mysteries of State as nearly concerned his own safety not onely released sed but advanced him to a place of Judicature which his Integrity and Ability might deserve but his niceness and narrowness could not keep it Law and Equity have two Courts but Law and Discretion should dwell in one breast The truth is there is a great advantage in the well-setting forth of a mans vertues fortunes merits and again in the Artificial covering of a mans weaknesses defects disgraces staying upon the one sliding from the other making use of circumstances c. which this good and plain man was a stranger to being not so true to himself or so setled but that either upon heat or bravery or kindness or trouble of mind and weakness he would open himself to his Enemies satisfaction and his own hazard Yet I must needs say That his Letter of submission to the Duke was ingenuous if he was guilty and Courtly if he was innocent Sir Francis Bacon took a wiser course in my Lord of Essex his Case than he in the Earl of Somersets for when that Lord entertained destructive before displeasing Counsel the knowing Knight fairly forsook not his person whom his pity attended to his Grave but his practises and
made for the benefit and ease of all frequenters of the Library that which I have already performed in sight that besides which I have given for the maintenance of it and that which hereafter I purpose to add by way of enlargement to that place for the project is cast and whether I live or dye it shall be God â—illing put in full execution will testifie so truly and abundantly for me as I need not to be the publisher of the dignity and worth of mine own institution Written with mine own band Anno 1609. Decemb. 15. Observations on the Life of Henry Vere Earl of Oxford HEnry Vere was son of Edward Vere the seventeenth Earl of Oxford and Anne Trentham his Lady whose principal habitation the rest of his patrimony being then wasted was at Heningham-Castle in Essex A vigorous Gentleman full of courage and resolution and the last Lord Chamberlain of England of this Family His sturdy nature would not bow to Court-compliants who would maintain what he spake speak what he thought think what he apprehended true and just though sometimes dangerous and distastful Once he came into Court with a great milk white feather about his hat which then was somewhat unusual save that a person of his merit might make a fashion The Reader may guess the Lord who said to him in some jeer My Lord you wear a very fair Feather It 's true said the Earl and if you mark it there is ne're a Taint in it Indeed his Family was ever loyal unto the crown deserving their Motto Vero nil Verius His predecessors had not been more implacable enemies to Spain in the Low-Countries than he was at Whiâ—e-Hall backing those arguments against the Match stoutly in the Presence-Chamber that Doctor Hackwel had urged zealously in the Pulpit and as resolutely suffering imprisonment for the one as the Doctor did suspension for the otâ—er declaring himself as freely against the Agent Gondomar as against his business the Marriage For chancing to meet Gonâ—omar at an Entertainment the Don accosted him with high Complements vowing That amongst all the Nobility of England there was none he had tendered his service to with more sincerity than to his Lordship though hitherto such his unhappiness that his affections were not accepted according to his integrity that tendered them It seems replyed the Earl of Oxford that your Lordship hath good leisure when stooping in your thoughts to one so inconsiderable as my self whose whole life hath afforded but two things memorable therein It is your Lordships modesty returned the Spaniard to undervalue your self whilest we the spectators of your Honours deserts make a true and impartial estimate thereof hundreds of memorables have met in your Lordships life But good my Lord what are those two signal things more conspicuâ—us than all the rest They are these two said the Earl I was born in the year 88 and christened on the fifth of November Neither was he a more inveterate enemy to the Church of Rome than a cordial friend to that of England for presenting one Mr. Copinger to Laneham he added to try him He would pay no tâ—thes of his Park Mr. Copinger desired again to resign it to his Lordship rather than by such sinful gratitude to betray the rights of the Church Well if you be of that mind said the Earl than take the tythes I scorn that my Estate should swell with Church-goods Going over one of the four English Colonels into the Low-Countries and endeavouring to raise the siege of Breda he so over-heated himselâ— with Marching Fighting and vexing the Design not succeeding that â—e dyed after Anno Dom. 16 He married Diana one of the Co-heirs of William Earl of Exeter afterwards to Edward Earl of Elgin by whom he left no Issue Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Vere SIr Francis Vere Governour of Bâ—il and Portsmouth was of the ancient and of the mâ—st noble extract of the Earls of Oxford and it may be a question wâ—ether the Nobility of his house or the honour of his Achievements might most commend him who brought as much glory to his name as he received honour from it He was amongst his Queens Sword-men inferiour to none but superiour to many He lived oftner in the Camp than Court but when his pleasure drew him thither no man had mâ—re of the Queens favour and none less envied He was a Solâ—ier of great wâ—rth and commanded thirty years in the service of the States and twenty years over the English in Chief as the Queens General and he that had seen the Batâ—el of Newport might there best have tâ—ken him and his nobâ—e Brother the Lord of Tilbâ—ry to the life They report that the Queen as she loved Martial men would court this Gentleman as soon as he appeared in her presence for he seldom troubled it with the noise and alarms of supplication his way was another sort of undermining as resolved in the Court as in the Camp as well to justifie his Patron as to serve her Majesty telling her the plain truth more sincerely than any man choosing as he said rather to fall by the malice of his enemies than be guilty of Ingratitude to his friends Yea and when he sued for the government of Portsmouth and some Grandees objected that that place was always bestowed on Noblemen he answered There were none ennobled but by their Princes favour and the same way he took The Veres compared Veri scipiadae Duo fulmina belli SIr Francis and Sir Horace Verâ— sons of Ieffery Vere Esquire who was son of Iohn Vere the fifteenth Earl of Oxford We will first consider severally and then compare joyntly to see how their Actions and Arms performed what their birth and bloud promised SIr Fran. was of a fiery spirit rigid nature undaunted in all danger not overvaluing the price of mens lives to purchase a victory therewith He served on the Scene of all Christendom where War was acted One Master-piece of his valour was at the Battel of Newport when his ragged Regiment so were the English-men called from their ragged Cloathes helped to make all whole or else all had been lost Another was when for three years he defended Ostend against a strong and numerous Army surrendring it at last a bare Skeleton to the King of Spain who paid more years purchase for it than probably the World would endure He dyed in the beginning of the Reign of K. Iames about the year of our Lord 16 SIr Horace had more meekness as much valour as his brother so pious that he first made peace with God before he went to war with man One of an excellent temper it being true of him what is said of the Caspian Sea that it doth never ebb nor flow observing a constant tenor neither elated nor depressed with sucess Had one seen him returning from a victory he would by his silence have suspected that he had lost the day and had he beheld
his Majesties estate better but he was sure he would have kept it from being worse And it was the consequence of his great worth all men applauded him Fulk Lord Brook after the perusal of his H. 7 th returned it him with these words Commend me to my Lord and bid him take care to get good Paper and Ink for the work is Incomparable Dr. Collins the Kings Professor of Divinity at Cambridge said when he had read his advancement of Learning that he found himself in a case to begin his Studies again as having lost all his former time Forreigners crossing the Seas to see him here and carrying his Picture at length that he might be seen abroad An Italian writes to the Lord Cavendish since Earl of Devonshire thus concerning the Lord Bacon I will expect the new Essays of my Lord Chancellor Bacon as also his History with a great deal of desire and whatsoever else he shall compose but in particular of his History I promise my self a thing perfect and singular especially King Henry the 7 th where he may exercise the talent of his Divine understanding This Lord is more and more known and his Books here more and more delighted in and those men that have more than ordinary knowledge in humane affairs esteem him one of the most capable spirits of this age Observations on the Life of the Lord John Digby JOhn Lord Digby of Sherborn and Earl of Bristol was a younger Son of an ancient Family long flourishing at Koleshull To pass by his younger years all Children being alike in their Coats when he had only an Annuity of fifty pounds per annum only his youth gave pregnant hopes of that Eminency which his mature age did produce He did ken the Embassador's craft as well as any in his age employed by King Iames in several Services to Foreign Princes recited in his Patent as the main motives of the Honours conferred upon him But his managing the matchless Match with Spain was his Master-piece wherein a good I mean a great number of State-Traverses were used on both sides Where if he dealt in Generalities and did not press Particulars we may ghess the reason of it from that expression oâ— his I will take care to have my Instructions persâ—â—â— and will pursue them punctually If he held Affairs in suspence that it might not come to a War on our part it may be he did so with more regard to his Mr. King Iames his inclination than his own apprehension If he said That howsoever the business went he would make his fortune thereby it rather argued his weakness that he said so his sufficiency that he could do so than his unfaithfulness that he did so This is certain that he chose rather to come home and suffer the utmost displeasure of the King of England than stay in Spain and enjoy the highest favour of the King of Spain He did indeed intercede for some indulgence to the Papists but it was because otherwise he could do no good for the Protestants But whatever was at the bottom of his Actions there was resolution and nobleness a top especially in these actions 1 Being carried from Village to Village after the King of Spain without that regard due to his person or place he expressed himself so generously that the Spanish Courtiers trembled and the King declared That he would not interrupt his Pleasures with business at Lerma for any Embassador in the world but the English nor for any English Embassador but Don Iuan. 2. When impure Scioppius upon his Libel against K. Iames and Sir Humphrey Bennet's complaint to the Arch-Duke against him fled to Madrid my Lord observing that it was impossible to have Justice done against him from the Catholique King because of the Jesuites puts his Cousin George Digby upon cutting him which he did over his Nose and Mouth wherewith he offended so that he carried the mark of his Blasphemy to his Grave 3. When he was extraordinary Embassador in Germany upon his return by Heidelbergh observing that Count Mansfield's Army upon whom depended the fortune of the Palsgrave was like to disband for want of money he pawned all his Plate and Jewels to buoy up that sinking Cause for that time That his spirit was thus great abroad was his honour but that it was too great at home was his unhappiness for he engaged in a fatal Contrast with the Duke of Buckingham that hazarded both their safeties had not this Lord feared the Duke's power as the Duke this Lord's policy and so at last it became a drawn Battel betwixt them yet so that this Earl lost the love of King Charles living many years in his disfavour But such as are in a Court-cloud have commonly the Countreys Sun-shine and this Peer during his Eclipse was very popular with most of the Nation It is seldom seen if a Favourite once broken at Court sets up again for himself the hap rather than happiness of this Lord the King graciously reflecting on him at the beginning of the Long Parliament as one best able to give him the safest Councel in those dangerous times But how he incensed the Parliament so far as to be excepted pardon I neither do know nor dare enquire Sure I am that after the surrender of Exeter he went over into France where he met with that due respect in Foreign which he missed in his Native Countrey The worst I wish such who causelesly suspect him of Popish inclinations saith my Author is that I may hear from them but half so many strong Arguments for the Protestant Religion as I heard from him who was to his commendation a cordial Champion for the Church of England This Family hath been much talked of this last forty years though all that I can say of it is this that great spirits large parts high honours penned with narrow Estates seldom bless their owners within moderation or the places they live in with peace Observations on the Life of the Lord Spencer HEe was the fifth Knight of his Family in an immediate succession well allied and extracted being descended from the Spencers Earls of Gloucester and Winchester In the first year of the Reign of King Iames being a moneyed man he was created Baron of Wormeleiton in the County of Warwick He had such a ready and quick Wit that once speaking in Parliament of the valour of their English Ancestors in defending the Liberty of the Nation returned this Answer to the Earl of Arundel who said unto him Your Ancestors were then keeping of Sheep If they kept Sheep yours were then plotting of Treason But both of them were at present confined but to the Lord Spencer the Upper-House ordered Reparations who was first and causelesly provoked This Lord was also he who in the first of King Iames was sent with Sir William Dithick principal King of Arms to Frederick Duke of Wirtenbergh elected into the Order of the Garter to present and invest him with the
Robes and Ornaments thereof which were accordingly with great solemnity performed in the Cathedral of Studgard And this was the Lord that when the Earl of Bristol charged the Duke of Buckingham started up and demanded Is this all you have to say against the Duke The Earl replyed Yes my Lord and I am sorry it is so much Then quoth the Lord Spencer If this be all Ridiculus mus and so sate down again The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Iames. THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Charles I. Observations on the Life of the Duke of Buckingham NAture bestowed on him an exact comliness his Mother a noble education not so much to study as converse His Travels to France carriage and experience About which times he falls into intrinsecal society with Sir Ioh. Greham then one of the Gentlemen of his Majesties Privy-Chamber who I know not upon what Luminaries he espyed in his face disswaded him from Marriage and gave him rather encouragement to woe Fortune at Court than court it in the City Which advice sank well into his fancy for within some while the King had taken by certain glances whereof the first was at Apthorpe in a Progress such liking of his Person that he was resolved to make him a Master-piece and to mould him as it were Platonically to his own Idea Neither was his Majesty content onely to be the Architect of his Fortune without putting his gracious hand likewise to some part of the work it self insomuch that it pleased him to descend and to avale his goodness even to the giving of his foresaid friend Sir Iohn Greham secret directions how by what degrees he should bring him into favour His own parts and observation gained him prudence and discretion His Family and Ancestors in Leicester-shire gentility and repute so that there wanted nothing but Interest to set him up a Courtier Sir Thomas Compton who had married his Mother supplyed him with the one and the Earls of Bedford Pembrook and Hertford who would eclipse Somerset helped him to the other For those three Lords meeting one night at Baynards-Castle and commanding Somerset's picture should be abused in their way next day Sir Thomas Lake leads him into Court buying him the Cup-bearers place A while after the Countess of Bedford ushereth him to the Presence-Chamber entering him a Bed-chamber-man and the Earl of Pembrook supports him until he was a Favourite The Courtiers wished him well because he was an English-man the Nobility favoured him because a Gentleman the Ladies have a kindness for him because the exactest Courtier in Christendom the King observes him much for his compleat body more for his pregnant parts and the States-men now consulting Somerset's removal and finding King Iames his good nature loth to leave the bosom of one Minion until he had reposed himself in another made it their plot to advance him His carriage was free and debonair his passions even and smooth and one saith carried in his pocket his nature noble and open his temper industrious and inquisitive his intellectuals clear and capable his mind tractable and docible his spirit resolute and undaunted The first month he comes to Court he takes place above all his fellows and being removed with some affront by a creature of Somerset's gives him a box on the ear an action that gave him and his friends a seasonable occasion of a Contest with Somerset and him a clear conquest over him Somerset as Chamberlain would have cut off his hand and he as Favourite was like to have cut off his head This new Favourite riseth all are weary of Somerset the first Minion all welcom the second The King is first his Tutor and then his Patron instructing him before he employed him Three sorts of studies he engaged him in the first was for delights in private Retyrements the second for ornament in Discourse the third for ability in Business He had Princely apprehensions of the principles and Maximes of Government a distinct notion of all his Affairs an excellent way to make use of other mens Abilities and these incomparable Rules from my Lord Bacon which were transcribed in his Life Sir In the first place I shall be bold to put you in mind of the present condition you are in You are not onely a Courtier but a Bed-chamber-man and so are in the eye and ear of your Master but you are also a Favourite The Favourite of the time and so are in his bosom also The world hath so voted you and doth so esteem of you for Kings and great Princes even the wisest of them have had their Friends their Favourites their Privadoes in all ages for they have their affections as well as other men of these they make several uses sometimes to communicate and debate their thoughts with them and to ripen their judgments thereby sometimes to ease their cares by imparting them and sometimes to interpose them between themselves and the envy or malice of their People for Kings cannot erre that must be discharged upon the shoulders of their Ministers and they who are nearest unto them must be content to bear the greatest load Truly Sir I do not believe or suspect that you are chosen to this eminency out of the last of these considerations for you serve such a Master who by his wisdom and goodness is as free from the malice or envy of his Subjects as I think I may say truly ever any King was who hath sate upon his Throne before him But I am confident his Majesty hath cast his eyes upon you as finding you to be such as you should be or hoping to make you to be such as he would have you to be for this I may say without flattery your outside promiseth as much as can be expected from a Gentleman But be it in the one respect or other it belongeth to you to take care of your self and to know well what the name of a Favourite signifies If you be chosen upon the former respects you have reason to take care of your actions and deportment out of your gratitude for the King's sake but if out of the later you ought to take the greater care for your own sake You are as a new risen Star and the eyes of all men are upon you let not your own negligence make you fall like a Meteor The contemplation then of your present condition must necessarily prepare you for action what time can be well spar'd from your attendance on your Master will be taken up by suitors whom you cannot avoid nor decline without reproach for if you do not already you will soon find the throng of suitors attend you for no man almost who hath to do with the King will think himself safe unless you be his good Angel and guide him or or least that you be not a Malus Genius against him so that
our known duty but our visible advantage to ascribe our most eminent performances to providence since it not only takes off the edge of envy but improves the reason of admiration None being less maliced or more applauded than he who is thought rather happy than able blessed than active and fortunate than cunning Though yet all the caution of his life could not avoid the envy of â—is advancement from so mean a beginning to so great honours notwithstanding that it is no disparagement to any to give place to fresh Nobility who ascend the same stâ—ps with those before them New being only a term saith one only respecting us not the world for what is was before us and will be when we are no more And indeed â—his Personage considering the vanity and inconstancy of common applause or affronts imprâ—ved the one and checked the other by a constant neglect of bothâ— Observations on the Life of Sir Dudly Careleton SIr Dudly Careleton was born in Oxford-shire bred in Christs-Church in Oxford under Dr. King and afterwards in relation of Secretary to Sir Ralph Winwood in the Low-Countreys where he was very active when King Iames resigned the cautionary Towns to the States Here he added so great experience to his former Learning that afterwards our King employed him for twenty years together Ambassador in Venice Savoy and the Vnited Provinces Anne Gerard his Lady Co-heir to George Gerard Esquire accompanying him in all his Travels as is expressed in her Epitaph in Westminster-Abby He was by K. Charls the first to balance the Duke of Buckingham's enemies in the House of Peers with the Lord Mandevil now Earl of Manchester and the Lord Grandison created Baron of Imbercourt in Surrey and afterwards Viscount Dorchester marrying for his second Wife the Daughter of Sir Henry Glenham the Relict of Paul Viscount Banning who survived him He succeeded the Lord Conway when preferred President to the Council in the Secretary-ship of State being sworn at White-Hall December 14. 1628. and dying without Issue Anno Dom. 163 Much ado he had to remove a State-jealousie that was upon him That he insisted on â—he restitution of some Towns in Cleves and Iuliers to gratifie the Spaniards at that time in Treaty with us more to remove a Church-jealousie that in negotiating an accommodation in Religion he designed the undermining of the Remonstrants then in so much power there In which matter he was at a loss whether his Majesty should interpose by Letter or Message The former he said was most effectual but the later less subject to misconstruction considering Barnevel's interest in the State But he had a Chaplain one Mr. Hales that kept this Controversie even on the one hand while he balanced the State-interest on the other equally careful that the United Provinces should not be over-run by the Armies of Spain and that they should not be swallowed up by the protectiâ—n of France Watchful was his eye there over the West-India Company Diligent his carriage upon any accommodations from Spain which he apprehended always as a design to distract that people then in regard of their unsetledness but too apt upon any dispute to fall into faction Great his industry in reconciling Sir Horace Vere and Sir Edward Cecil for the honour of the English Nation and the advancement of the common service Sincere his services â—o the Prince Elector and his Lady Exaâ—t his rules of Traffique and Commerce and dexterous his arts of keeping the States from new alliances notwithstanding our likely Marriage-treaty with Spain especially since the Prince of Orange bluntly after his manner asked Qui at ' il vostre Marriage And indeed he behaved himself in all Employments so well becoming a man that understood so many Languages that was so well versed in Ancient and Modern History that had composed so many choice pieces of Politicks that was so well seen in the most practical Mathematicks and added to these a graceful and charming look a gentle and a sweet elocution that notwithstanding his and his Brother Bishop Carleton's rigidness in some points kept him to his dying-day in great favour and most eminent service and failing in nothing but his French Embassy because there he had to do with Women Leaving behinde him this observation That new Common-wealthâ— are hardly drawn to a certain resolution as who knowing not how to determine and remaining onely in suspence take ordinarily that course rather which they are forced â—o than what they might choose for themselves And this eminent service when he assisted the Earl of Holland in France viz. That he pacified the high difference there upon which the revolt of the Hugonots depended and put a real resolution in Kâ—ng Lewis to advance against the Valtoline and Spain by the advantage of the League with England proceeding upon this Maxim with that King They that have respect to few things are easily misled I had almost forgot how this Lord finding that want of Treasure at home was the ground of our unsuccessful and despicableness abroad and that Principe senza quatrius e come un muro senza crole da tulls scompisâ—iato That a Prince without money is like a wall without a Cross for every one to draw upon did mention the Excise in the Parliament-House and in no ill meaning neither and was violently cryed to the Bar and though a person of that eminence as being then a Privy-Councellor and principal Secretary of State he hardly escaped being committed to the Tower So odious was that Dutch-Devil as they called it in the excellent King Charles which was raised by the beloved Parliament with many more that were conjured up in three or four years but not likely to be laid in three or fourscore Living in those times when weak men imagined to themselves some unknown bliss from untried governments and considering that alterations countervail not their own dangers and as they bring little good to any so they bring least of all to those that first promoted them This Lord refused to be the mouth of the Zealous multitude whose rage could neither be well opposed nor joyned with whom a pardon or compliance might bring off leaving their Demagogues to compound for their folly with their ruine choosing rather to be patient than active and appear weak than be troublesom and once resolved upon an exact survey of circumstances for power against the faults of it on the one hand and the affronts of it on the other he gained the esteem of all parties by his fidelity to his own I am much taken with his plain saying which I find of late printed There will be mistakes in Divinity while men preach and errors in Government while such govern And more with his method of proceeding in his affairs whereof he laid first an Idea in his own mind and then improved it by debate the result whereof was usually so compleat as shewed the vast difference between the shallow conceptions of one man and the
purely heroick often stout but never dislâ—â—al so vehement an opponent of the Spaniard as when that Match fell under consideration he would sometimes rouze to the trepidation of King Iames yet kept in favour still for that King knew plain dealing as a Jewel in all men so was in a Privy-Councellor an ornamental duty An instance of his familiar converse with King Iames was that the King observing that he naturally hated a Frog threw one into his neck and he in requital caused a Pig of an equal disgust with the same Prince to be put under his Close-stool where though it produced no extraordinary ill effect for the present yet after the prank had been descanted upon and worst of Interpretations made by some the title of Iews being at that time bestowed on the Scots the King was much affected with it and the more because it was done at Wilton the Earls own house Though Kings when free and sociable break out to sprightful and facetious extravagancies with Courtiers yet must they not presume lest their words are interpreted not by their meaning but others jealousie free spirits cannot be too circumspect And the same true-heartedness commended him to King Charles with whom he kept a most admirable correspondence and yet stood the firm Confident of the Commonalty and that not by a sneaking cunning but by an erect and generous prudence such as rendred him as unsuspected of ambition on the one side as of faction on the other being generally beloved and regarded Observations on the Life of the Lord Conway EDward Lord Conway succeeded to his Father's Martial skill and valour who was under the Earl of Leicester Governour of Ostend and twisted therewith peaceable Policy in State-affairs so that the Gown and the Sword met in him in most eminent proportion and thereupon King Iames advanced him one of the principal Secretaries of State For these his good services he was by him created Lord Conway of Ragleigh in this County and afterwards by King Charls Viscount Killultagh in the County of Antrim And lastly in the third of King Charles Viscount Conway of Conway in Carnarvenshireâ— England Ireland and Wales mutually embracing themselves in his Honours and not long after President of the Councel Upon the breâ—â—â— with Spain King Iames and the Duke of Buckingham both judged it very convenient to have a Martial Secretary neither was there any man fitter â—or their turn than this Gentleman who was as able to direct them in the Affairs of War abroad as he was ready to be directed by them in those of Peace at home Being one of those three remarkable Servants that King Iames used to jest upon vizâ— a Lord Treasurer meaning the Earl of Suffolâ—â— that could not cast Account a Chaplain meaninâ— Doctor Preston that could not read Pâ—â—â—â—â—â— and a Secretary meaning this Lord that 〈◊〉 not write his name Sir Richâ—rd Weston beat the Bush in the Affair of the Palatinate but Sir Edward catched the Hare his rough humour being more suitâ—ble to that business Or indeed it having been always more successful to be bold than wary to be free for all occasions than to be obstinate to some ruleâ— Fortune saith Machiavel is a Miâ—triss that isâ— sooner won by those that ruffle and force her than by others that proceed coldly Indeed he was charged with treachery and cowardize in the action against the Scots 1640. but he came off with his honest animosity saying If he mighâ— but fight their whole Army he would settle Scotland in six months or lose his head being in that of my Lord of Canterbury's opinion who assured his Majesty they would not hold out four a motion that if as easily entertained by that gracious King as it was effectually pursued by the bloody Usurpers a sad experience hath taught us and them would have prevented much mischief there more here especially since it was that wise Prince his judicious observation That they and their Confederates were a people lost by favour and won by punishment Observations on the Lives of the Digges MAster Leonard Digges was one of excellent Learning and deep judgement His â—iâ—d most inclined him to the Mathematicks and he was the best Architect in that age for all manner of Buildings for conveniency pleasure state strength being excellent at Fortifications Lest his Learning should dye with him for the publick profit he printed his Tectonicon Prognostick General Stratiotick about the ordering of an Army and other Works He flourished Anno Dom. 1556. and dyed I believe about the Reign of Queen Elizabeth when as in most growing times Arts were drowned in action Nothing else have I to observe of his name save that hereditary Learning may seem to run in the velâ—s of his Family witness Sir Dudly Digs of Chilham-Castle made Master of the Rolls in the year 1636. whose abilities will not be forgotten whilest our age hath any remembrance This Knight had a younger son of a most excellent wit and a great judgment Fellow of All-Souls in Oxford who in the beginning of our Civil Wars wrote so subtile solid a Treatise of the difference between King and Parliament that such Royalists who have since handled that Controversie have written plura non plus yea aliter rather than alia of that Subject The Son writes down those Rebellions that the Father countenanced The Father I say who by a bold impeachment against his Majesties chief Minister of State to his face taught a discontented People to draw a bolder against his Mâ—jesty himself Wherefore it was that after his undutiful Prologue Against his Majesties Prerogative in favouring his Servants the Preface to more disloyal methods against his right in governing his people he and Sir Iohn Elliot were whispered out of the Lords House when they were hottest against the Duke to speak with a Gentleman and thence sent immediately by two Pursevants that attended to the Tower where and in the Country this Gentleman lay under just displeasure until it was thought fit to take off so dangerous a piece of boldness and eloquence upon the growing distempers of the age by favour and preferment to a Neutrality at least if not to the just measures of his duty But our observation here is this That faction is one of those sins whereof the Authors repent most commonly themselves and their posterities are always ashamed Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Ridly Dr. LL. THis Knight and Doctor was born at Ely in Cambridge-shire bred first a Scholar at Eaton in Buckingham-shire then Fellow of Kings-Colledge in Cambridge He was a general Scholar in all kind of Learning especially in that which we call Melior Literatura He afterwards was Chancellor of Winchester and Vicar-general to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury His memory will never dye whilst his Book called The view of the Ecclesiastical Laws is living a book of so much merit that the Common Lawyers notwithstanding the difference betwixt the professions will ingenuously
which Elphyston Borthrick Meldrum Uchiltry c. discovered one to another Qu. 4. What did Ramsey with the Pedigree of Hamilton derived from Iames I. King of Scots in Foreign parts Qu. 5. Why private Instructions had Meldrum to Scottish Officers in the Swedish Army Qu. 6. What was Meldrum Alexander Hamilton and other his Dependants so preferred in the Scots Army Qu. 7. Why were there such Fears and Jealousies whispered in Germany of the English Government Qu. 8. Why was not Ramsey able to give a positive Answer at the Tryal by combate And why did the Marquess take him off before the Controversie was decided Qu. 9. Why is Huntley put by and Hamilton made high Commâ—ssioner Why is discontented Balcanquel employed to pen Declarations And why are the King's Papers Letters c. taken out of his pocket and betrayed to the Scots And why did the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury writing to the King wish him not to trust his own pockets with the Letter Qu. 10. Why doth his Mother ride with pistols at her Saddle-bow leading all her Kindred and Vassals for the Covenant Qu. 11. Why is that time spent in posting to and fro to patch up a base Pacification with the Rebels that might have been employed in suppressing them Q. 12. Why did the Bishops of Rosse and Breâ—en Sir Robert Spotswood Sir Iohn Hay the Earl of Sterling ride post to England to intreat the King not to trust the Marquess Qu. 13. Why was there so much granted to the Covenanters in Scotland yea and time given them to do their business Q. 14. Why did he forbear the Common-prayer at Dalkieth and neglect to protest the Kings gracious Declaration the justice and clemency whereof had without doubt allayed the commotions Q. 15. Why did he not set out the King 's last Declaration before the Covenanters Protestation was our against it Qu. 16. Why was there nothing done with the Ships sent upon the coasts of Scotland Qu. 17. Why did he so caress his covenanting Mother that the Scots could say The son of so geâ—d a Mother could do them no harm Qu. 18. Why had he a hand in most of the Monopolies and Projects of England Q. 19. Why did he refuse to contribute as others had done to the Scots Wars Q. 20. Why did he intercede for Lowndon's â—elease notwithstanding the traitâ—rous Letter to the French King was his hand Qu. 21. How comes Montross to be flighted by the gracious King at first And when he offered his service again how came his Letters into the Covenanters hands at Newcastle Qu. 22. Why did he and Argyle raise such Fears and Jealouâ—ies in Scotland and England by withdrawing suddenly from the Court under preâ—ence forsooth of danger to their persons Qu. 23. Why could not the King hear of the Scots design to invade England 1643. before Montross posted first to Oxford and then to Gloâ—cester to tell him of it though the Marquess was all the while in Scotland Qu. 24. And yet why was that noble person mistrusted till the Kings interest was lost in that Country Qu. 25. Why was he and his brother imprisoned at Oxford And why did the King say Nay if Hamilton leads them there is no good to be done for me Qu. 26. Why did the King say That he must dispose of the Master of the Horse place to the Earl of N. That my Lord Cottington was the fittest man for the Treasury and that Sir Edward Hyde was the onely man he could trust with the Secretaries affairs Being loth that D. H. should return to an oppoâ—tuâ—ity of recozening them Questions these that shew After-ages can scan great mens lives with the same liberty that they live them Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Hopton GEntile was this excellent person's extraction in the West of England and man-like his Education in the Low-Countreys that School of War where Sir William Waller and he learned in one Camp what they practised in two The one being no less eminent for his service under his late Majesty of blessed memory than the other was for his against him The one was the best Soldier the King had the other the most experienced that the pretended Parliament boasted of None fitter to balance Sir Ralph Hopton's success none likelier to understand his stratagems none abler to undermine his designs than his Fellow-soldier Sir William who understood his method as well as he was acquainted with his person Both were equally active both equally vigilant But what better character of this Heroe than that which his Master gave him in his Patent for Baron which is his history as well as his honour Carolus Dei Gratià Angliae c. Cum Nominis nostri Posteritatis interest ad clara Exempla propaganda utilissimè compertum palam fieri omnibus praemia apud nos virtuti sita nec perire fidelium subditorum officia sed memori benevolo pectore fixissimè insi dere His praesertim temporibus cum plurimâ—m quibus antehac nimium indulsimus temerata aâ—t suspecta fides pretium aliorum constantiae addidit Cumque nobis certo const at Radulphum Hopton Militem de Balneo splendidis Antiquis Natalibus tum in câ—tera sua vita integritatis moriâ— eximium tum in hac novissima tempestate fatalique Regni rebelâ—i motu rari animi fideique exemplum edidisse Regiae dignitatis in eaque publicae contra utriusque adversarios assertorem vindicâ—m acerrimum Quippe quia non solum nascenti huic Furori nec dum omnibus manifesto optimis consiliis fortis in câ—ria Senator restiterit sed insinuante se latius veneno crescente ferocia domum ad suos reversus fortior Miles in Agro suo Somersetensi vicinis partibus omni ope manu iniquissimam causam oppugnaverit in Arce praesertim Sherborniana sub Auspiciis Marchionis Hertfordiae egregiam operam navaverit Mox ulterius progreâ—â—us pollenti in Devonia factionis Tyrannide munitissima civitate in foedus illecta jam undique bonis subditis perniciem minante ipse penè in illa Regione Hospes contracto è Cornubia Militeâ— primoribus statim impetum â—aruâ— repressit jacentesque afflictas nostras partees mirifica virtute recreavit Et licet summis necessitatibus conflictanti exigua pars Negotii hostes erant tantum abâ—uit ut vel illis vel istis succumberet ut contra copiis auctiores bellico apparatu instructissimas saepius signis Collatis in acie dimicans semper superior excesserit Testis Launcestonia Saltash Bradock aliaque obscura olim nomina â—oca nunc victoriis illius perduellium cladibus Nobilitatâ— Vix etiam ab his respiraverit cum novus belli furor Lassas jam fere continuis praeliis laxatas vires Numerocissimo exècitu adortus uberiorem triumphandi dedit materiam Cum ille in campis Strattoâ—iae in difficillimas licet Augustias redactus inops militaris instrumenti
consumpio jam pulvere tormentario armatos inermis Vallo munito inter sola causa virtute animatus ita reâ—udit concidit castris exuit ut â—totum belli molem cum ipsis Authoribus profligavit Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat inter urbis unius Moenia eaquâ— arcta obsidione astricta conclâ—so Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum popellum jugo intolerabili levaverat sedes suas expulsis Ecclesias Pastoribus pacem omnibus Firmamentum pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum fâ—elicitate qua partes Regni occidentales maturius ad officium verum Dominum redierunt viam apperuisse momentum ingens extitisse libentissimè profitemur In hac opera landabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstiterit adhuc in victo animo industria indefessa nullo ardâ—o quantumviâ— labore periculo excusatus cumque mille argumentis testatum fecerit Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna capite potiorens nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi amplius demereri volentes hunc praecâ—nio merito ornandum propiori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali ac ex certa scientia mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum gradum stylum Dignitatens Titulum and Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae c. In cujus rei Testimonium has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes Teste meipso apud Oxon. quarto die Sepâ—embris Anno Regni Nostri Decimo nono His two great Actions the one at Liscard the other at Stratton cannot be better described than by an Eye-witness whose words are these as he saith out of a Manuscript corrected with Sir Ralph 's own hand communicated to him by his Secretary Mr. Tredus At Liscard a little before the Fight began the King's party took it into seasonable consideration that seeing by the Commission of the Lord Mohun brought from Oxford four persons viz. the said Lord Mohun Sir Ralph Hopton Sir Iohn Berkley and Colonel Ashburnham were equally impowered in the managing of all Military maâ—ters And seeing such equality might prove inconvenient which hitherto had been prevented with the extraordinary moderation of all parties in ordering a Batâ—el it was fittest to fix the power in one chief and general consent setled it in Sir Ralph Hopton He first gave order that publick Prayers should be read in tâ—e head of every Squadron and it was done accordingly and the Enemy observing it did stile it saying of Mass as some of their Prisoners afterwards did confess Then he caused the Foâ—t to be drawn up in the best order they could and placed a Foâ—lorn of Musquetiers in the little Iâ—closures winging them with the few Hâ—rse and Dragoons he had This done two small Mynion Drakes speedily and secretly fetched from the Lord Mohun's house were planted on a litâ—le Bâ—rrough within random-shot of the Enemy yet so that they were covered out of their sight with small parties of Horse about them These concealed Mynions were twice discharged with such success that the Enemy quickly quitted their groundâ— And all their Army being put into a rout the King's Forces had the exeâ—ution of them which they performed very sparingly taking 1250 prisoners all their Cannon and Ammunition and most of their Câ—lours and Arms and after publick Thanks taking their repose at Liscard Stratton Fight succeeds on Tuesday the 16th of May 1643. The King's Army wants Ammunâ—tion and hath a steep hill to gain with all disadvantage and danger the Horse and Dragoons being not above five hundred and the Foot two thousand four hundred The Parl. Forces were well furnished and barricadoâ—d upon the top of the hill their Foot 3400. and their Horse not many indeed having dispatched 12â—0 to surprize the Sheriff and Commissioners at Bodmin On the King's side order was given to force the passage to the top of the Hill by four several Avenues the ascent was steep and difficult resolutely did his Majesties Forces get up and obstinately did the Enemy keep them down The Fight continued doubtful with many countenances of various events from five in the Morning till three in the Afternoon amongst which most remarkable the smart charge made by M. G. Chudleigh with a stand of Pikes on Sir Bevil Greenvil who fell nobly himself and had lost his squadron had not Sir Iohn now Lord Berkley who â—ed up the Musquetiers on each side of Sir Bevil seasonably relieved it so resolutely reinforcing the Charge that Major-General Chudleigh was taken Prisonerâ— Betwixt three and four of the Clock the Commanders of the King's Forces who embraced those four several ways of ascent met to their mutual joy almost at the top of the hill which the routed enemy confusedly forsook In this service though they were Assailants they lost very few men and no considerable Officer killing of the Enemy about three hundred and taking seventeen hundred prisoners all their Cannon being thirteen pieces of brass Ordnance and Ammunition seventy barrels of powder with a Magazine of Bisket and other provision proportionable For this victory publick Prayer and Thanksgiving was made on the hill then the Army was disposed of to improve their success to the best advantage Nothing had funk this great spirit but the fate of Kingdoms with whose ruine only he was contented to fall and disband his brave Soldiers upon honourable terms Five things made my Lord Hopton so eminently serviceable 1. His great insight into the designs and prudent foresight of the events of present Councels which when most doubted and wavered gave him that resolution that undertook great difficulties and bore up against greater 2. His experience of War in general and his acquaintance with that seat of it committed to him in particular 3. His renown all over the Kingdom for piety and moderation and within his own association for hospitality civility and charity 4. His name among the Enemies as considerable for his generousness and justice as for his valour and conduct 5. His Estate that set him above mercenariness and his care for money that set his Soldiers above need the occâ—sion of mutinying among themselves or of incivilities towards others Observations on the Life of the Earl of Carnarvan RObert Dormer Ar. was on the tenth of Iune 1615. made Baronet by King Iames and on the 30 day of the same month was by him created Baron Dormer of Wing in Buckinghamshire His Grand-child Robert Dormer was by K. Charles in the 4th of his Reign created Viscount Ascot Eaâ—l of Carnarvan He lost his life fighting for him who gave him his honour at the first Battel of Newbury Being sore wounded he was desired by a Lord to know of him what suit he would have to his Majesty in his behalf the said Lord promising to discharge his trust in presenting his request
breath was spent in proclaiming K. Charles the II. in the very face of his Enemies as known to him to be a vertuous noble gentle just and great Prince a Perfect Englishman in his inclination 2. His great merits and modesty whereof K. Charles I. writes thus to his excellent Queen There is one that doth not yet pretend that doth deserve as well as any I mean Capel Therefore I desire thy assistance to find out something for him before he ask 3. The blessing of God upon his noble but suffering Family who was a Husband to his excellent Widow and a Father to his hopeful Children whom not so much their birth beauty and portion though they were eminent for these as their Vertues married to the best Bloods and Estates in the Land even when they and the Cause they suffered for were at the lowest It 's the happiness of good men though themselves miserable that their seed shall be mighty and their Generation blessed Observations on the Life of Bishop Andrews I Have much a-do to prevail with my own hand to write this excellent Prelate a Statesman of England though he was Privy-Councellor in both Kingdoms For I remember that he would say when he came to the Council-Table Is there any thing to be done to day for the Church If they answered Yea then he said I will stay If No he said I will be gone Though yet this be an instance of as much prudence as any within the compass of our Observation So safe is every man within the circle of his own place and so great an argument of abilities hath it been always confessed to know as well what we ought as what we can especially in Clergy-men whose over-doing doth abate their reverence and increase their envy by laying open those defects and miscarriages which are otherwise hallowed or at least concealed in the mystick sacredness of their own function Not but that men of that gravity and exactness of that knowledge and experience of that stayedness and moderation of that sobriety and temperance of that observation and diligence as Bishops are presumed to be were in all Governments judged as fit to manage publick affairs as men of any other professions whatever without any prejudice to the Church which must be governed as well as taught and managed as well as a society dwelling in the world as under the notion of a peculiar people taken out of it His successful skill in deaâ—ing with the Papists under my Lord of Huntington President of the North and with the Puritans under Doctor Cosin an Ecclesiastical Officer in the South recommended him to Sir Francis Walsingham's notice as a person too useful to be buried in a Country-Living who thereupon intended to set up his Learning in a Lecture at Cambridge to confute the Doctrine of Rome untiâ— Queen Eliz. resolved to set up his prudence in other Employments at Court to countermine its policy where I know not whether the acuteness of his Sermons took most with the most Learned the devotion of them with the most pious or the prudence of them with the most Wise it hath been one thinâ— always to Preach learnedly and another thing to preach wisely for to the Immensity of his Learning he added excellent Principles of politick prudence as a governour of the Church and a Councellor of State wherein he was conspicuous not for the crafty projects and practices of policy or for those finister ways of Artifice and subtlery or the admired depths of Hypocrisie called reason of State noâ— the measures and rules of his Politicks and Prudentials were taken from the great experience he had gotten and many excellent observations he had made out of all Histories as well Humane as Divine though he always laid the greatest weight upon the grounds and instances of holy Scripture which gives the truest judgement of wisdom or folly considering the mixture of State-affairs with thoâ—e of the Church in Christian Common-wealths and the fitness of sober and discreet Clergy-men for those of the State in all It 's a wonder how Clergy-men come to be excluded publick Councils at any time but observing Bishop Andrews his insight into the Fundamental constitution of our State as appears from his Speech in the Countess of Shrewsbury's Case His distinct foresight oâ— the consequences of Affairs evident in his speech against Thraske His circumspect care of the Publick visible in his Petition to King Iames then sick at New-Market that the Pâ—ince then under Scotch Tutors be educated by well-principled men the occasion that King Iames took to bring him up himself so exactly in the Doctrine and Discipline of oâ—r Church that it 's a question whether he was more by his Pen or Sword his Scepter or his Style The Defender of the Faith His wondâ—rful skill in the government of this Church discerned by â—he excellent King Charles in that he sent so many Bishops to consult with him 1625. what was to be done for the Church in that Parliament His caution and moderation in â—hat he never unless upon greâ—t considerations innovated in his Church bâ—t left things in the same decency and order he â—ound them knowing that all alterations have â—heir dangers I am astonished to think that Bâ—shops should be forbidden secular employment in our time Who hath more ampleness and compleatness saith Bishop Gauden for a good man a good Bishop a good Christian a good Scholar a good Preacher and a good Counsellor than Bishop Andrews a man of an astonishing excellency both at home and abroad Observations on the Life of Henry Mountague Earl of Manchester HEnry Earl of Manchester third son to Sir Edward Mountague Grand-childe to Sir Edward Mountague Lord Chief-Justice of the King's Bench in King Edward the sixth's time was born at Boughton in Northampton-shire One skilful in mysterious Arts beholding him when a School-boy foretold that by the pregnancy of his parts he would raise himself above the rest of his Family which came to pass accordingly He being bred first in Christs-Colledge in Cambridge then in the Middle Temple where he attained to great Learning in the Laws passed through many preferments as they are reckoned up viz. 1. Sergeant at Lâ—w. 2. Knighted by K. Iames Iuly 22. 1603. 3. Recorder of London 4. Lord Chief-Justice of the King's Bench Novemb. 18. 1616. 5. Lord Treasurer of England Decemb. 16. 1620. 6. Bâ—ron of Kimbolton 7. Viscount Mandevile 8. President of the Council Sept. 29. 1631. 9. Eâ—rl of Manchester 10. Lord Privy-Seal He wisely perceiving that Courtiers were but as Counters in the hands of Princes raised and depressed in valuation at pleasure was contented rather to be set for a smaller sum than to be quite put up into the box Thus in point of place and preferment being pleased to be what the King would have him according to his Motto Movendo non mutando me he became almost what he would be himself finally advanced to an Office of great Honour When Lord
â—he Sâ—â—â—e that they are so because they know nothing beyond their own time whereas if the most discontented peâ—son did but compare his own dayes with those before he must coâ—feâ—s that there wants nothing in the general frame of our Government particular persons miscarriages must be always allowed to make us most happy but thankfulness content and the continuance of these blessings under our dread Soveraign for whom it 's as much our interest as our duty to pray according to St. Chrysostoms Liturgy that God would give him strength victory health safety length and tranquillity of dayes or in Tertullian's form Long life a secure government safe Court valiant Army faithful Senate good People quiet world what-ever he can desire as a King or as a man Or once more in Lactantius his words That God will keep him who is the keeper of all things in his Dominions to his Felicity and our Tranquillity The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of K. Charls I. a Sâ— Anthonies under Nâ—w-Hall b Christ-Church a He Married Mr. Colts Daughter of New-Hall b Whereby he was double reader c On St. Aug. de civitate Dei d He was made Chancellour of that Dutchy e Queen Katherine said so f A fellow at Bruges would undertake to answer any question Sir Thomas put up this Whether Averia capta in Withernamia sint irreplegiabilia to that Thrasces great amazement g He built a Chappel at Chelsey and hired an Almes-House there h With the cause attested by the Attorney in tokâ—n wherof when one Tubb brought him a Snbpoena to subscribe finding it frivolous he writ under it a tale of a Tub. a When Master thereofâ— b When Knight of the Garter c When Vicar General d Sâ—ow Sur. London a As when one said he was accused for disloyalty to the King he said He would stab him with his Dagger if he were a There were two sorts of these Knights the first made by way of encouragement the second by way of Reward Sir Ralph was of the second soâ—t and the last that survived of that sâ—rt a Luther Melancthon Carolostadius b The Creed The Lords Prayer and the Commandments e Saith Siâ— Riâ—h Baker f Per celebriora Angloâ—um â—ynâ—nasia â—â—tes exâ—luit * Being called Bifrons g Cecil was the first * Mr. More in the printed Life of his Grandfather Sir Thomas More pag. 334. * One of the house of York * He is madeâ— Viscount Rochford * They were 50. with an Archer a Demilance and a Constillier apiece They and their horses being vested in Cloath of Gold a Of Bretany aâ—d Normandy a Master of the Ordinance who was killed the first Night before Therovene Bacons Esâ— 116. The Duke of Someâ—set's maâ—â—h a The same day that 30. yâ—ars ago they were beaten at Flodden b Hâ— made the fiâ—st and last Bannerets The Lady Sâ—anhope c Wâ—â—m tâ—â—y put in â—â—w Liâ—erâ—â—s d For contriving the death of a Privy Counsellour There was aâ—other of his name Sheriff Nephew to this Knight in 25 of H. 8. Lord Baâ—on's Essâ—yes a A Duffeild b Recommending to him the care of three things 1. His God 2. His Soul 3. His Company This story is related from the mouth of his Grandchild the Earl of Warwik that last was Vid. Coâ— in Littl. Presat Fuller Eâ—cles Hist. B. â— Cont. â—â— Cambd. Eliz. aâ—â— 1576. The things that overthrow a Favourite * The first of these loved Alexanders interest the other his person France Spain and England Cicero †He means Land Anno 〈◊〉 8.24 Mach Prince p. 56. b Viz. The Lord Tho. Seymour Hist. Camb. p. 131. * His Mother was Daughter to the Duke of Clarence and Grandchild to Edward the IV. Full. Hiâ—â—â— Cent. 19â— p. 14â— * Governor â—f Bies * Kept aâ— Black Fiâ—ars * As Ecclesia poeniteniia Episcopus Sacrificium Pontifex * Viz Those of his Diocess * In King H. 8's time when they rise againsâ— the Reformation * When the rising was there a Descended of the Roman Cecilii say some b Grayâ— Inne c Fulleâ— Holy State ex Aristâ— l. 2. de Coelo c. 4 â— â— d Camb. Eliz. anno 1579. 80. * Cicely Daughter of Thomas Bourchiâ—â— late Earl of Essex Verulam's Essays Camden K. H. â— K. Jamesâ— * In Opposition to him of Spain a They say his father married a Familiar of King Henry's see Fuller in his Worthies * Causa Virtus â— Deo vel ipse Deus Oct. 1 65. * Sir Tho. â—ythe learned industrious and ingenious Edward Waterhouse Esquire of Sion-Colledge a Which he made out from Dr. Wottons Discourse on that subject at Cambray b To which Queen Elizabeth addeth a saying of Valentinians Have the French for thy Friend not for thy Neighbor c De jure Reg. apud Scotos d About moneys transported beyond Sea Cambden Eliz. 1566 * Cambd. Eliz. anno 1577. * The Marquess of Northampton the Earl of Bedford John Grey of Pyrgo Sir William Cecil Tho. Smith * The Doctors â—arker Bill May Cox Grindal Whiâ—e-head Pillington and Sir Tho. Smith * Aâ— Cambray * Who put Cardinal Wolsey then but a Schoolmaster in the Stocks * As Cyrus aâ— Thermopylae Crastus in Parihia therefore Alexander had exact Maps always aboue him to observe Passages Streights Rocks Plains Rivers c. Nethersol Fâ—n Orat. Prince Hen. p 15 16 17. * Sir Rob. Naunton in his Fragmenta Regalia a 2 Sam. 2â— 24. b 1 King 4. 6. c King 12 d Ibidem See Daves of Ireland and Waâ—e and Powel of Wales a Leicester See Sir H. Wottons Observatiâ—ns b He was one of them whose Natures disclose bâ—t slowly c Vnder Dr. Whitgift a His Eliz. â—o which Cambden gave but the language and â—he transcript a From the mouth of Mr. Ramsey Minister of Rougham in Norfolk who married the widow of Mr. Giles Fletcher son to this Doctor * In his volume of English Navigationâ— p. 374. †Camb. in his Eliz. Anno 158â— when he was Agent in Muscov as afterward Ambassador â— In his book called The Declination of Monarchs Sir Robert Naunton's Fragmenta a Adversus perduelles a Where he was Bridâ— groom a Witness his entertainment at London H. Holland p. 39. a Domanda assai chenâ—n Mancherapoi calare Proverb â—ip apud Insiâ— D. 〈…〉 de legatâ—â— a Domanda assai chenâ—n Mancherapoi calare Proverb â—ip apud Insiâ— D. 〈…〉 de legatâ—â— Psa. 104.3 a In the life of Richard the second b Sir John Davies in Disc. of Iâ—eland p. 39 c. * Vâ—re's Commâ—ntaries a Tâ—erefoâ—e the Yoke is their supporter * Cambden Eliz. An. 1587. Idem Anno 1600. * The Earl of Essex a The Lord Norris Plau. in Aularia * Though some observe that his digressions marred his repute and had broke his neck had he lived in any Kings reign but K. James's a He was born Jan. 22. 1560. at York-house in the Strand * Vid. Duke of Buckingham's Life a Benedict â—â—â—unchâ—m an Alderman of London's Daughter and Coheir Compleat instructions for a states-man given by L. B. to D. B. * Sir Hen. Wotton's life of the Duke of Bucking * 1. Of the Prerogative Royal. 2. Priviledges of Parliament 3. The proceedings in Chancery 4. The pâ—wer of the Sâ—arâ—hamber * Being not used to the Common-Prayer * In Tiberio * As about the Petition of Right in reference to which he Sergeant Glanvile satisfied the Lords Admin Card. de Rich. p. 283. â— O. 134. a See the Ea of Northamptons Speech b See Lord Spencer * Nobly communicated to all inge nious persons by the honourable H. Howard of Norfolk greater in his own worth than in any titles * Sâ—e his late Majeâ—â—â—â—s reâ—ommâ—nâ—â—â—â—n to him at his departure from Hamton-Court * In 〈◊〉 1629. * At Peâ—ross and Aleppo * So saith the Historian but I think as much against them as against the K. not only because the welâ—are of K. and people are inseparable â— but also because there is not a more common saying among the people than defend me and spâ—nd me * The most pious learned wise and Reverend Father in God the Lord Arch-Bishop of Cant was his Domestick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Meditar 2. Eâ—umplified by his Chaplain Tho. Fritter
of one he could not But though his Armes reached him not the Court Wits did perswading his Ambition to goe upon a splendid Embassy to Reconcile all the Christian Princes abroad that they might have the better advantage to withdraw from him the Favour of his own Prince at home contriving likewise that all the Friends he had at Court â—hould be of his Retinue in the Ambassie both to increase the envy of his train and to weaken the strength of his Interest It was observed that he gave three Rules to his Company the morning he went from Callis 1. That they should take care of the Soveraigns Honour that Imployed him 2. That they should observe the natural Civility and Sobriety of the Nation they came from 3. That they should retain as much reservedness as became the Affair he went aboâ—â— giving them a Caution of the French in tâ—ese words viz. that at their first meeting they wouâ—d be as familiar as if they had known them by long acquaintance and of tâ—emselves in these that they â—â—ould not speak of any matter of Importance but in their own Language lest they should â—â—scover that for want of words which they shoâ—ld hide with them Very exact he was in the honouâ—able circumstances of address abateing the French King not 〈◊〉 in their approaches one to anothâ—r but most exact in the particulars of the Tâ—eaty yeiâ—ding not a point to the whole Council oâ— France for knowing that their own conveniency not their Love brought the Treaty about he would often fling away and make the King and Queen Regenâ— Court him to renew the Consultation which otherwise he mâ—st have caressed them to Fear nâ—t Love is the pasâ—ion of Common-Wealths But his entertainment from the King his Master at home was not answerable to his Service abroad nor the applause from the Noble-men Judges and Justices of the Peace of each shire in England cited from the Countrey to hear an account of his great League that they might report it to the Countrey suitable either to his Eloquence or Action at Star-Chamber or his great expectation The first Court design upon him after his return was an entertainment to the French Ambassador injoyned by the King to beggar him the next was a discovery made to him of the Kings Love to Q. A. Bullein its dangerous to know Kings Secrets from which he disswaded his Majesty by Intreaties on his Knees and by Arguments from the most Learned men in the Kingdome which he Consulted with and in both Universities which he sent to It s not safe standing in the way of a Kings Lust though indeed the Cardinals Enemies had possessed themselves both of the King and the peoples apprehensions so farr that his Majesty was wrought upon to be angry with him because he was perswaded that he was against his Divorce and the people were incensed against him as he declared to the King at the Court in Bridewell because they were made believe that he was for it Many chafing discourses as he called them had he with the King whom yet he would coole with the gentleness of his behaviour many affronts from Noble men Especially one whose head he had kept on threatned his off Often would he disswade the King from persuing his design often upon the Kings solicitations did he and Cardinal Campein perswade the Queen to Retiâ—e At Grafton in Northamptonshire was the first step of his Fall when the King went to Dine with Queen Anne Bullein and left him to shift among the Servants Queen Anne pressed the King with the poor Condition he had brought the Subjects to others into what great Estate he had raised himself First he returns from Court to Westminster and the broad Seal with his rich furnished house being taken from him afterwards to Putney or Ashur when he that could have furnished Kings with accomodations was furnished himself by the Bishop of Carlisle Afraid they were he should have a summe of money to live upon at Rome therefore they searched Cardinal Campeius Train at Callis more afraid he should have an habitation near the King therefore â—hey demanded his House as Bishop of Yorke called White-Hall which the Cardinal intreating the Judges that came to take his Recognizance to teach the King not onely what he might do but what he ought to do and to put him in mind of the gâ—eatness of the Eternal habitations as Hell and Heaven as well as the conveniency of earthly dwellings chose rather to give upon terms for Yorke-House than to lose by force The Aâ—ticles against him in the House were bravely waved by his Servant Mr. Cromwel the grief of his heart much allayed by a Ring sent him from the King and a Tablet from the Queen his Majesties Physicians had a special Charge about hiâ— Health and his Wardrobe about his House but this was only a Lightning before Death to exâ—sperate his Enemies rather than gratifie him Cardinal Wolsey going over to France upon an extraordinary Embassy had for his Attendance Tonstal Bishop of London the Lord Sands late Chamberlain the Earl of Derby Sir Tho. More Sir H. Guilford and 200 Horse and was met two days journey from Paris by King Francis and his Mother carrâ—ing with him 140000. l. though silâ—er was but 20 d. an ounce to assist that King in the War against Charles the fifth and furnished with such a Plenipotentiary Commission that he gave Law to France and the Popedome and he â—â—mported himself with such dexterity and high wisdome that all the Princes of Christendome who had their eyes fixed upon him admired him The King gave him many places he besâ—owed on him his magnificent Palaces White-Hall that Good Hypocrite moâ—e convenient within than comely without Hampton Court Windsor the two first to be resident in and â—he last â—o be buried in Arma tenenti omnia dat qui justa negat â— fiâ—ting his humour with pleasant habitations as he suited his ambition with power and authority But the King broke with him at last about the divorce being vexed with so many delays defeâ—s retardings and prorogations between two Popes Clement that was and Wolsey that would be yet rather eased him of his buâ—dens than deprived him of his preferments continuing him Bishop of York and Durham when he turned him out of his Chancellourship of England where being sent by that Lord who would not endure him nearer the King and could not get him further he lived rather like a Prince than a Priest providing as magnificently for his Installation as a King should for his Coronation which unseasonable ambition was improved by his enemies malice and the King's jealousie to his ruine for in the midst of his solemnities he is arrested by the Kings order signified by the Earle of Northumberland whose wrath was the Messenger of Death and in his way to London being distracted between hope and fear died at Leicester where he was buried as obscurely as he was borne and breathing
being loath to loose hope as long as hope had thread or hair to hold by he told them he had one friend or companion in the Castle who was so wise so valiant and so fortunate that to him and his exploits alone he would deliver up the manage of their safelty this was Prayer Chaplain to the great King and Priest of that Colony then Prayer was called for and all proceedings debâ—ted he presently armeth himself with Humility Clemency Sincerity and Fervency and in spight of the Enemy passeth his Camp comes to the King his Master and with such moving passion entereth his eares so that presently Armes are raysed which returning under the Conduct of Prayer overthroweth the King of Arabia makes spoyl of his Camp and gives to the Castle of Truth its first noble Liberty Observations on Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellour of England HE roseâ—up high because he stept out well Sir Thomas More was half way Chancellour when born to Sir Iohn More Chief Iustice. The Father's Prudence Wit and Nobleness flowed with his Blood to the Sons Veins Much Honour he received from his Family more he gave to it His Mother saw his Face shining in a Dream on her Wedding Night and his Father saw his Life so really A quick City-Spirit made him capable of great State-Employments He was saved by a Miracle and was One For his Nurse riding with him over a Water and being in some danger threw him over a Hedge where she found him not hurt but sweetly smiling upon her A Free-School seasoned his forward Childhood and the grave wise and excellent Cardinal Mortons House his Youth The One with Learning to make him a Scholar the Other with Prudence to make him a Man But the Distractions of that House were not so proper for his promising Ingenuity as the Retirements of the University where in two years time he shewed what Wonders Wit and Diligence could do in Rhetorick Logick and Philosophy The Colledge kept him strict and his Father short so that as heâ— blessed God afterward He had neither the leisure nor the means to be vicious The Cardinal said he would be Great and his excellent Genius said he would be Humble The Lord Chancellour would give place to and ask blessing of the Lord Chief Justice The Father being not more happy in his Son than the Son in his Father At 17 his wit was eminent for his Epigrams His Antilucian Oration commended by all men but Brixius for pure genuine and flowing At 18 his wisdom in overcoming his Antagonist Brixius with kindness and himself with Mortifications His fastings were frequent his watchings on the hard ground severe his Hair-cloath even in his Chancellourship course his exercises among the Carthusians in the Charterhouse for four years austere his designâ— for the Franciscan Hood and a Priesthood with his Friend Lilly solemn His prayers uninterrupted When the King sent for him once at Mass he answered That when he had done with God he would wait on his Majesty He imitated Picus Mirandula's Life and writ it He heard Dr. Collet his Confessours Sermons and followed his liâ—e whose experience was his counsel whose conversation was his life He could not away with the good Sermon oâ— a bad man Collet was his Father Linâ—â—re Lilly Grocine were his Friends He learned more by prayer than he did by study his Poems were acute his Speeches pure and copious his Latine elegant yet his head was knotty and Logical his Diet was temperate his Apparel plain his Nature tractable and condescending though very discerning to the meanest mens counsel his Vertues solid not boasted In a word the foundation of his Liâ—e was as low as the building was to be high Words and Terms being not by Nature but Imposition verborum ut nummorum those were best liked by him that were most current amongst the best Artists he fearing new words as leading to new things though the quitting of ancient and allowed expressions to affect new phrases will be no advantage at long run for whatsoever be the forms of speaking the state of things will be the same and the very argument that convinceth an erroneous person now in the old received and Orthodox Language would convince him likewise in the new wayes of speaking which he desires to introduce after it is formed and generally understood All the benefit that he could make of it would be only a little time between the suppression of the one and the introduction of the other wherein he might jugle and play Hocus Pocus under the Cloak of Homonymous and Ambiguous expressions In vulgar appellations we are to speak as the common people but in terms of Art which saith Scaliger are rudibus ingeniis acerba delicatis ridicula we are to follow the most approved Artists the Mushrome Errours and Haeresies springing up in his time he advised should be rather suppressed by Discipline than increased by disputations they who in the common principles of Religion clash ordinarily with the whole Church who so affectedly swerve from the approved rules and healthful constitutions of all orderly Common-wealths to the disturbance of all humane society and the cutting off of all Relations between man and man they who cannot preserve Unity with themselves but are ever and anon interfereing tripping up their own heels by contradictions need no just confutation or single or other adversary than God themselves and all mankind since their opinions are grounded upon their own imaginations rather than approved Authority and they interpret Scripture not according to the perpetual tradition of the Church but according to their own distempered â—ancies and that in discourses more full fraught with supercilious confidence than deep reason It were a folly to draw the saw of contenâ—ion with them especially in such a case where it is impiety to doubt and Blasphemy to dispute Quid cum illis agas qui neque jus neque bonum aut aequum sciunt â—Melius pejus prosit obsit nil vident nisi quod lubet Such daring mens opinions creating truth and falsehood by the words of their mouth being like a pillar of smoak breaking out of the top of some narrow Chimney and spreading it self â—broad like some Cloud as if it threatned to take possession of the whole Region of the Ayr darkening the skye and seeming to press the Heavens and after all this when it hath offended the eyes a little for the present the first puffe of wind or a few minutes do altogether disperse it The little Mouse stealeth up through the Elephants trunke to eat his brains the Indian Rat creepeth into the belly of the gaping Crocodile and the least opposition overthrows these great pretenders especially if you give them line and space enough to bounce and tumble up and down and tire themselves out Great he judged was the influence Religion had upon humane societies whether we consider the nature of the thing or the blessing of God without which they are
how much they have eaten but concocting their meat inwardly do bring forth Wool and Milk True learning is the improvement of other Mens studies and experiences by our own meditation adding to that frame by consideration which they had built from the ground by many Ages observation The Lord Herbert's Character of Cromwel ANd to this end came Cromwel who from being but a Black-smiths Son found means to travel into forein Countries to learn their Languages and to see the Wars being a Souldier of Bourbon at the taking of Rome whence returning he was received into Cardinal Wolsey's service To whom he so approved himself by his fidelity and diligence that the King after his fall voluntarily took him for his Servant in which place he became a special Instrument for dissolving the Abbeys and other Religious Houses and keeping down the Clergy whom in regard of their Oath to the Pope he usually termed the Kings half Subjects And for expelling the Monks he said it was no more than a restoring them to the first Institution of being lay and labouring persons Neither did it move him that so much strictness and austerity of Life was enjoyned them in their several Orders since he said they might keep it in any condition But as these Reasons again were not admitted by divers learned and able Persons so he got him many Enemies who at last procured his fall but not before he had obtained successively the Dignities of Master of the Rolls Baron Lord Privy Seal Vicegerent to the King in Spiritualities Knight of the Garter Earl of Essex Great Chamberlain of England c. He was much noted in the exercises of his Places of Iudicature to have used much Moderation and in his greatest pomp to have taken notice and been thankful to mean persons of his old acquaintance and therein had a Virtue which his Master the Cardinal wanted As for his other Descriptions I leave them to be taken out of Granmer's Letter formerly mentioned with some deduction For it seems written to the King in more than Ordinary Favour of his antient service Arch-Bishop Cranmer's Character of Cromwel in a Letter to King Henry the Eighth WHo cannot bâ— sorrowful and amazed that he should be a Traytor against your Majesty He that was so advanced by your Majesty He whose surety was only by your Majesty He who loved your Majesty as I ever thought no less than God He who studied always to set forwards whatsoever was your Majesties will and pleasure He that cared for no Mans displeasure to serve your Majesty He that was such a Servant in my Iudgment in wisdom diligence faithfulness and experience as no Prince in this Realm ever had He that was so vigilant to presâ—rve your Majesty from all Treasons that few could be so secretly conceived but he detected the same in the beginning If the Noble Princes of memory King John Henry II. and Richard II. had had such a Counsellor about them I suppose they should never have been so Traiterously abandoned and overthrown as those good Princes were After which he says again I loved him as my Friend for so I took him to be but I chiefly loved him for the love which I thought I saw him bear ever towards your Grace singularly above all other But now if he be a Traytor I am sorry that ever I loved or trusted him and I am very glad that his Treason is discovered in time But yet again I am very sorrowful for who shall your Grace trust hereafter if you might not trust him Alas I bewail and lament your Graces chance herein I wot not whom your Grace may trust But I pray God continually Night and Day to send such a Councellor in his place whom your Grace may trust and who for all his qualities can and will serve your Grace like to him and that will have so much solicitude and care to preserve your Grace from all dangers as I ever thought he had Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Audley SIr Thomas Audley's Birth was Generous his Education more Essex bred him to that Honour which his Ancestors lost His Soul ennobled his Body and his Body graced his Soul The one quick solid apprehensive and judicious the other tall and majestick King Henry loved a Man and here was one whose Austerity was allayed with Debonairness whose Gravity was sweetened with Pleasantness whose Knowledge was as large as his Authority whose Wit was equal with his Wisdom whose Memory was strong and Judgment solid His fair Estate brought him to the Temple his proficiency in the Law to the Court His reading upon the Statute of Priviledges commended him to the Kings Service his speaking for the Prerogative in Parliament brought him to the Kings Favour Although the Liberties of the People can never be seâ—ured without the Prerogative of the Sovereign who cannot do the good they would if he wants a power to do the evil they fear yet his first Preferment was to withdraw him from Popularity and the second only to confirm him to Sovereignty Noble Service is the way to a Royal One â— His Stewardship to the Dutchy of Suffolk raised him to the Attorneyship of that of Lancaster But in troublesome and designing times a popular Orator is a good Courtier and leading Parts in Parliament or Convocation are great Merits In the black Parliament he was a Member by his own Interest and a Speaker by his Majesties Choice Sir Tho. More was to serve the Crown in the Lords House and Sir Tho. Audley was to succeed him in the House of Commons When Abbey-Lands were bestowed on the King in gross and returned by him to the leading Lords and Commons in the Retayl most of that Parliament looked for â—hares Sir Thomas for the first cut to secure himself with the King He was always in favour with the Queens who had no less interest in the Kings Heart than the Kingdom had in his Head The Age was uncertain Interest not so Sir Thomas was fixed on the One above the alterations of the Other understanding what was most convenient at a time when there was nothing lawful He was well seen in the flexures and windings of affairs at the depth whereoâ— other Heads not so steady turned giddy He had the Arts of a Statesman and the closeness of a Politician Reserved he was but no Dissembler For if a man have that penetration of judgment as he can discern what things are to be laid open and what to be kept secret and what to be shewed with half â—ights and to whom and when which indeed are Arts of States and Arts of Life to him an Habit of Dissimulation is a hinderance and a poorness He as an able man was always frank and open but wary knowing how to stop and turn within the compass of equity and honesty He understood business well and men better and knew King Henry's Temper better than Himself whom he surprized always to his own bent never moving any
of his suits to him but when in hast and most commonly amusing him with other matter until he passed his Request His Actions were managed for applause as well as service for when made Sergeant he was the first of eleven his Entertaining-Day was the last oâ— six The King who paid for his Dinner was invited to it He watched the Circumstances of his Actions that they might be Taking as well as their â—ssue that they might be Useful and contrived that the least of his publick actions should come off with reputation He followed the most passable rather then the most able men living in a time when active men were more useful than the virtuous Sir Thomas at once gratified the present humour of the Kiâ—g and the constant temper of the people in six Bills against the Clergy 1. Against the Extortions of their Courts 2â— The Exaction of their Corps and Mortuaries 3. Their worldly Occupations as Grazing Tanning c. 4. Merchandize 5. Their Non-Residencies 6. The Pluralities of the â—gnorant and the mean Salaries of the Learned When in some Debates between the Lords and Commons Custome was urged Sir Thomas replied The usage hath ever been for Thieves to rob at Shooters â—ill is it therefore lawful He brought the Clergy within a Praemunire to awe them and aâ—terwards in their pardon he and other members included their own which the knowing King would not pass when it was demanded as of right yet afterwards granted it of his own accord when it was received as of Grace When Sir Thomas More could not act with the times Sir Thomas Audley could the One being weary of the Seal the other takes it being made Lord Keeper in Sir Thomas his life-time and Lord Chancellour after his deathâ— owning no Opinion against the Government of England nor any Design against its Interest The King might well trust him with his Conscience when he trusted the King with his owning no Doctrine but what was established ever judging the Church and State wiser than himself He was forced to take Q. Anne but he would not condemn her rather escaping than refusing unwelcome employments wherein he must either displease his Master or himself He was tender but not wilful waving such services dexterously wherein he must oppose his Master dangerously Those Insurrections which others rigor had raised his Moderation allayed breaking the Factions with Indulgence which might be strengthned with Opposition Câ—omwel pulled down Popery with his Power Audlâ—y kept it down with his Policy enjoining the Preachers to deâ—ect the follies of that way which is reckoned the wisdom of this World He had a moderate way to secure the priviledges of Parliament by freedom from Arrests and the good will of the Citizens by an Order about debts By these courses he died as much in the Kings favour as he lived Patience can weather out the most turbulent Age and a solid Judgement the most inâ—â—icate times The reserved and quiet man is the most secure Activity may raise a man Wariness keep him up If he had done nothing he had not been seen if he had done much he had nor been suffered Between two extreams Audley could do well Tâ—easure of Arms and Arts in whom were set The Mace and Books the Court and Colledge met Yet both so wove that in that mingled throng They both comply and neither neither wrong But pois'd and temper'd each reserv'd its seat Nor did the learning quench but guide the Heat The Courtier was not of the furious strain The hand that acts doth first consult the brain Hence grew commerce betwixt Advice and Might The Scholar did direct the Courtier right And as our Perfumes mixt do all conspire And twist their Curles above the hallowed fire Till in that Harmony of Sweets combin'd We can nor Musk nor single Amber finde But Gums meet Gums and their delights so crowd That they create one undistinguish'd Cloud So to thy minde these rich Ingredients prest And were the Mould and Fabrick of thy brest Learning and Courage mixt and temper'd so The Stream could not decay nor overflow And in that equal Tide thou didst not bear From Courage Rashness nor from Learning Fear â— Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wiat. SIr Thomas Wiat was born at Allington-Castle in the County of Kent which afterwards he repaired with beautiful Buildings He fell out off his Master King Henry the Eighth his favour about the business of Queen Anna Bullein till his industry care discretion and innocence freed him Very ingenioâ—s he was or as his Anagram â—â—lls us he was A * Wit in the abstract Cambden saith he was Eques auratus splendide doctus Holy he was and heavenly minded and that appears by his translation of David's Psalms into English Metre and Leland gives him this great Commendation Bella suum merito jactet Florentia Dantem Regia Petrarchae Carmina Roma probat His non inferior Patrio Sermone Viatus Eloquii secum qui decus omne tulit Let Florence fair her Dante 's justly boast And Royal Rome her Petrarchs numbred feet In English Wiat both of them doth coast In whom all grateful Eloquence doth meet This Knight being sent Ambassador by K. Henry the eighth to Charles the fifth Emperour then residing in Spain before he took Shipping died of the Pestilence in the West-Country Anno 1541. Queen Anne's favour towardâ— him raised this man and his faithfulness to her ruined him So fickle is that mans station that depends only on humour or holds off love and hatred Let my friend saith Malvezzi bring me in but let my merit and service keep me there Four things a man went to Dine with Sir Thomas Wiat for 1. For his Generous Entertainment 2. For his free and knowing discourse of Spain and Germany an inâ—ight in whose interest was his Master-piece studied by him as well for the exigence of that present juncture as for his own satisfaction 3. For his quickness in observing his civility in entertaining his dexterity in employing and his readiness in encouraging every mans peculiar parts and inclinations 4. For the notice and favour the King had for him So ready was he to befriend worthy men and so ready was the King to entertain his friend that when a man was newly preferred they said He had been in Sir Thomas Wiat's Closet Happy is the Prince that hath a â—aithful Favourite to look him out serviceable men and happy those useful persons that have a familiar and honest Favourite by whom they may have access to the Prince a Favourite that serves not his Country so much by employing and pleasing its active members as he secures his King who hath no less need of Counsel in reference to men then things His Wit pleased the King and his Wisdome served him He could not be without his Advice at the Council-table nor without his Jests in his Presence-chamber where yet he observed his decorum so exactly that his Majesty could by no means win
him one night to dancing this being his grave resolution That he who thought himself a wise man in the day-time would not be a fool at night otherwise none carryed himself more handsomely none conversed more ingeniously and freely none discoursed more facetiously or solidly In a word it was his peculiar happiness that his deportment was neither too severe for King Henry the eighth's time nor too loose for Henry the seventh's neither all honey nor all gall but a sweet mixture and temperament of affability and gravity carrying an equal measure of Sir Thomas More 's ingenuity in his head and Sir Thomas Cromwel's wisdome in his heart equally fashioned for discourse and business in the last whereof he was active but not troublesome in the first merry but innocent A Jest if it hit right may do more good then sober Counsels Archee made King Iames sensible of the danger the Prince was in in Spain by telling him that he came to change Caps with himâ— Why said the King Because thou hast sent the Prince into Spain from whence he is never like to return But said the King what wilt thou say when thou seest him come back again Marry saith he I will take off the Fools Cap which I now put upon thy head for sending him thither and put it on the King of Spains for letting him return A Jest of Sir Thomas Wiat's began that Reformation which the seriousness of all Christendome could not commence King Henry was at a loss concerning the Divorce which he no less passionately desired than the Pope warily delayed Lord saith he that a man cannot repent him of his sin but by the Popes leave Sir Thomas hinted Doctor Cranmer opened and the Universities of Europe made the way to Reformation His Majesty was another time displeased with Wolsey and Sir Thomas ups with a story of the Curs baiting of the Butchers Dog which contained the whole method of that great mans ruine The Pope was incensed Christian Princes were enraged and the numeroâ—s Clergy discontented and King Henry afraid of a Revolution Butter the Rooks Nests that is sell and bestow the Papal Clergies Habitations and Land among the Nobility and Gentry said Sir Thomas and they will never trouble you One Day he told his Master he had found out a Living of an hundred pounds in the year more than enough and prayed him to bestow it on him Why said the King we have no such in England Yes Sir said Sir Thomas the Provostship of Eaton where a man hath his Diet his Lodging his Horse-meat his Servants wages his Riding-charge and an 100 l. per annum besides What Lewis the eleventh said of one Kingdome i. e. France may be true of all That they want one thing i. e. Truth Few Kings have such discreet Courtiers as Cardinal Wolsey to look into things deeply fewer so faithful Servants as Sir Thomas Wiat to report things as they see them honestly His Jests were always confined to these Rules 1. He never played upon a mans unhappiness or deformity it being inhumane 2. Not on Superiours for that is sawcy and undutiful 3. Nor on serious or holy matters for that 's irreligious applying to this occasion that of the Athenians who would not suffer Pathus to play his Comedies where Euripides repeated his Tragedies 4. He had much Salt but no Gall often jesting but never jearing 5. He observed times persons and circumstances knowing when to speak and knowing too when to hold his peace 6. His apt and handsome Reparties were rather natural than affected subtle and acute prompt and easie yet not careless never rendring himself contemptible to please others 7. Not an insipid changing of words was his gift buâ— a smart reâ—ort of matters which every body was better pleased with than himself 8. He always told a story well and was as good at a neat continued discourse as at a quick sentence contriving it in an handsome method cloathing it with suitable expressions without any Parenthesis or impertinencies and representing persons and actions so to the life that you would â—hink you saw what you but hear A noâ—able way that argued the man of a ready apprehension an ingenious fine fancy a tenacious memory a graceful Elocution an exact judgment and discâ—eâ—ion and perfect acquâ—intance with things and circumstances His phrase was clean and clear the pictuâ—e oâ— his thoughts and language even in an argument not harsh or severe but gentle and obliging never contradicting but with an Vnder favour Sir always subjoyning to his adversaries discouâ—se what the Dutch do to all Ambassadors Proposals It may be so Observations on the Life of Sir John Fineux SIr Iohn Fineux born at Swinkfield in the County of Kent a place bestowed on his Ancestors by a great Lord in Kent called T. Criol about the reign of King Edward the second He followed the Law twenty eight years before he was made a Judge in which Office he continued twenty eight years and was twenty eight years of Age before he â—etook himself to this study whence it necessarily â—ollows that he was four-score and four when he died He was a great Benefactor to St. Augustines in Canterbury the Pâ—ior whereof William Mallaham thus highly commendeâ—h him good deeds deserve good words Vir prudentissimus Genere insignis Iustitia praeclarus Pictate refertus Humanitate splendidus charitate foecundus He died in 1526. and lies buried in Christ-Church in Canterbury having had a fair habitation in this City and another in Herne in this County where his Motto still remaineth in each Window Misericordias Domini cantabo in AEternum Nile's original is hidden but his stream is famous This Judge's Ancestors were not so obscure as he was illustrious His Device upon his Seâ—geants Ring was Suae quisque fortunae faber and his discourse was always to this purpose That no man thrived but he that lived as if he were the first man in the world and his father were not born before him Forty years he said he lived by his industry Twenty by his reputation and Ten by favour King Henry the seventh knew not how well this Gentleman could serve him until he saw how effectually he did oppose him about the Tenth Peny raised for the War in Britain which raised another in York where though the Rabble that murthered Henry Earl of Northumberland who was to levy the Tax had not his Countenance for their Practice yet had they his Principle for their Rule which was this Before we pay any thing let us see whether we have any thing we can call our own to pay So able though reserved a Patriot thought the wise King would be an useful Courtier and he that could do so well at the Bar might do more at the Bench. Cardinal Morton was against his advancement as an incouragement to the Factious whose Hydra-heads grow the faster by being taken off by Preferment and not by an Ax the King was for it as the most probable
an Habitation at home which he no sooner began at Cashobery in Hertfordshire but King Edward going out of the World the good Knight was forced out of his house and the Kingdom He was the first that said Policy is not the learning of some Rules but the Observation of Circumstances with a present minde in all junctures of affairs which he would say was their happiness only that had good memories For when one â—aid he had seen much heard more and read most You were said he a more compleat man could you say I remembered as much Secretary Walsingham would say My Lord stay a little and we shall have done the sooner Secretary Cecil said It shall never be said of me That I will defer till to morrow what I can do to day And Sir Richard Morisin Give me this day and take the next your self Noble was his Resolution when he said He scorned to take pensions from an Emperour of Germany since an Emperour of Germany took pay of the King of England His stature was something tall and procured him reverence his temper reserved and commanding security to his person and his business He that knoweth to speak well knoweth also where he must hold his peace said the old Graecian Think an hour before you speak and a day before you promise said this English-Roman With Ferdinand the Emperour he prevailed for the Popes assistance and with Maximilian for his Masters against the French Never was his Master Henry so high as to set him above treating nor his Sovereign Edward so low as to make him afraid of War although he looked upon the way of Treaties as a retiring from fighting like Beasts to arguing like men whose strength should be more in their understandings than in their Limbs I have said a great Prince greater confidence in my Reason than in my Sword and am so resolved to yield to the first that I thought neither my self nor others should use the second if once we rightly understood one another It 's humane to use Reason rather than Force and Christian to seek peace and ensue it Christian was his Temper and Religious his carriage so charitable that he relieved the Conâ—essors as though he had been none himself and so constant that he continued his sufferings as if there were no other Much good did his Countenance do the Exiles in the Courts of Forein Princes and more his Authority at the Troubles of Frankford where his Motive to love was the hatred of the Enemy Observations on the Life of Doctor Nicholas Wotton NIcholas VVotton Son to Sir Robert born at Bockton-malherb in the County of Kent a place so named from some noxious and malignant Herbs growing therein was bred in Oxon Doctor of the Civil Laws and was the first Dean of the two Metropolitan Churches of Canterbury and York He was Privy-Counsellour to â—our successive Sovereigns viz. King Henry the VIII King Edward the VI. Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth He was employed thirteen several times in Embassies to Forein Princes Five times to Charles the Fifth Emperour Once to Philip his Son King of Spain Once to Francis the First King oâ— France Once to Mary Queen of Hungary Governess oâ— the Netherlands Twice to William Duke of Cleve Once to renew the peace between England France and Scotland Anno 1540. Again to the same purpose at Cambray Anno 1549. Once sent Commissioner with others to Edenburgh in Scotland 1560. He refused the Aâ—chbishoprick of Canterbury proferred him in the first oâ— Queen Elizabeth He died Ianuary 26. in 1566. being about seventy years of Age and was buried in Canterbury Iusâ—inian reduced the Law of Nations to one Body and Doctor Wotton comprehended them in one Soul Publick was his spirit and such his thoughts That profession that was designed for the settlement of the Woâ—lds commerce was now confined to a Bishops Court a Churchwardens Oath or a rich man's will when this excellent Person first enlarged it as far as the Sea in the Cases of the Admiralty and as wide as the world in the Negotiations of Embassie Others were trusted with the Interest of Princes He with that of Nations He that saw him would think he could deny nothing so modest Scholar-like his looks He that heard him would judge he would grant nothing so undeniable his Reason so irrefragable his Arguments His speech was as ready as his resolution was present His apprehension quick and clear his method exact his reading vast and indefatigable his memory strong as to things though not to words tenacious his clocution copioâ—s and flowing What siâ— Henry Wotton said of sir Philip Sidney I may say oâ— Nicholas Wotton That he was the very measure of congruity What that Counsellour writ to the French King in a great sheet when he required his advice that our Doctor advised our Princes in several Discourses viz. Modus a meanâ— Sir said King Henry to him now not forty years old I have sent a Head by Cromwel a Purse by Wolsey a Sword by Brandon and I must now send the Law by You to treat with my Enemies Augustus lamented for Varus his death because he said Now I have none in my Countrey to tell me the truth With Wotton went off that faithfulness that Peasants have and Princes want None more resolute abroad none more bold and down-right at home His plain dealing saved King Henry some Treasure King Edward the North Qâ—een Mary Calice for a while and Qâ—een Elizabeth her Faith and Crown A Virtue that made him the Overseer of most Forein Ministers Actions abroad and one of the sixteen Executors of King Henry's Will and Testament at home Gardiner was sly and close but Wotton prudent and wise In the Treaty at Calice there are two things remarkable of our Doctor 1. That he first insisted on the peace with France before that of Scotlandâ— 2. He would say Rather give away Calice than reserve a Right in it fifteen years hence for never was the Interest of any Nation so constant as to keep a promise half so many â—ears Indeed Sir William Cecil's reach went no further for a Layman than Doctor Wotton for a Church-man Therefore they two were pitched upon for the management of the Intrigues and Affairs oâ— Scotland Many envied this happy man but none could be without him who was â—he Oracle of both Laws at Councils who could sum up the merit of any Cause recollect the circumstances of any Affair and shew Tables of Trade Commerce Situations Counsels Revenue Interest c. the readiâ—st and exactest of any in England But all these Qualifications must die and he with them leaving it as his Advice First To Church-men To understand well the Common and Canon-Law as well as the Divine by the first whereof they might understand their right as by the second they infoâ—med themselves and otheâ—s of their duty Secondly To Statesmen Travel and History Thirdly To Embassadors 1. A good Puâ—se 2. A noble and sober Train â—
refused a Treaty but upon condition that Ashe their Leader was pledged advised an engagement with them out of hand saying No English-man should be undervalued so far as to be an Hostage for a Villain and adding further so good was his Intelligence That if they were not defeated speedily the Scots and Germans would discover that they had but too much hand in this plot For which his services his Master raised him to the Admiralship of England and the Earldom of Southampton in which Quâ—lity he was one of the three Noblemen that managed the Business of Divorce between the King and Anne of Cleve with that applause that made him Lord Privy-Seal Nov. 14. Anno 1541. and the grand Examinant of the particulars in the Lady Katharin Howard's Case a matter of great trust and secrecy wâ—ich he performed with a searching and deep Judgment beyond that Ladies fear and the King's expectation as appears from the exact Account given under Sir Tho. Audley and his own hands touching that matter Having provided for the Kings Safety at Home he is One of Four that treat for his Intrest abroad I mean upon the Borders of Scotland where our excellent Persons dexterity was observed in gaining that time by various Proposals â—or Peace that served his Master to provide against the War in the beginning whereof the brave Lord died at York so much esteemed that for the Honour of his Memory his Standard was born in the Fore-ward all this Expedition A Person in whom prudence was even with activity resolution with prudence Success with Resolution Moderation with Success Honour and Favour with All. Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Darcy SIr Thomas Darcy was one of King Henry the Eighth'â— first Counsellours so advanced aâ— most of his Fellows not for Affection but Interest owing his Promotion to his own sufficiency rather than his Masters favour His Counsel was weighty at Home his Assistance necessary Abroad where in behalf of Pope Iulius the second and the Emperour he did more with 1500 Archers in â— year for the balancing of Europe than had been done before in an Age. No Employment so dangerous at that time as that of the Warden of the West Marches of Scotland none so noble for that Employment as my Lord who was equally knowing and stout and at once most feared and most loved The Earl of Shrewsbury made some Inroads into Scotland the Lord Darcy seconds him But being surprized by the Duke of Albany's preparations he had as much Wit to make Peace as he had Resolution to carry on the War None knew better when to yield none better when to conquer so great â— command had he over himself so great over thâ— Enemy that he brought them to request his Wish aud offer what was his Interest With the Duke of Surrey's assistance by Land and Fitz-Williamâ— his by Sea he reduced that Nation to a good Intelligence with Us that year and a Peace the next a Peace as he observed that would â—e no longer kept than we had a Sword in our Hands and an Army on their Borders For Conâ—cience guided other parts of the World he said and Fear Scotland Whence he invaded them duely once a year Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Howard SIr Edward's Brother in Worth as well as Blood His Fathers Interest set him up and his own Industry kept him so All the Children were brought up for Sea-Services this Gentleman for Sea Commands He immediatly succeeds his younger Brother in the Admiralty and wisely considering the advantage of the French Gallies in a calm the number of their ships the danger of their winds for us if they blew South-west desired of the King so many Souldiers as might man the ships and make good the landing wherewith he scoured the seas and secured the Kings passage with so much Honour that he was able to assist his Father at Court as much as Wolsey did Fox his Gallantry being no less pleasing to his Master than the other young Favouâ—ites Compliance and both these young men had no less Art to govern his Prince than he had to govern his Kingdom These Arts which all other Favourites use being Hopes and Fears which as Doors Passages to the heart aâ—e so guarded by their vigilancy that they câ—n both let themselves in and keep all others out the two Ends upon which the Thread of Government depends His Father is made Duke of Norfolk and he Earl of Surrey both are an eye-sore to the Cardinal whoâ—e Fortune hâ—d no Superior in the Kiâ—gs Favour whose Ambition would endure no Equal The Old Mans years and cares are fitted with a Retirement in the Country the Young Mans ambition and activity with a Government in Iâ—eland which he reduced as speedily to obedience notwithstanding Desmond's Rebellion as he had to civility had it not been for Wolsey's Underminings who endured no publick service but what he did himself and would chuse rather that the Kingdom should perish by a Traytor then be saved by a Nobleman Beloved he was by that Country where he left a Peace and a Parliament Anno 1521. so that they were loth to part with him Wanted he was by the King to scour the narrow seas for the French War so that he must have him The King hath made him formerly His Admiral the Emperour upon his return from England makes him his and with both their Commissions he lands in Normandy wastes the adjacent Countries sparing only Religious Houses takes and sacks Morlais in Bretaign which he entered under the smoak burns their ships commands the sea and sets the Emperour safe in Spain advising his Majesty from thence to make a general Muster of his Subjects for his own satisfaction and others terrour March 27 1522. The troubles in Scotland required an able Head and a stout Heart two Endowments that no man was more Master of than the Earl of Surrey now Duke of Norfolk upon his beloved Fathers decease whose Prudence toyled the Scots to deliver up their King as his Prowess frighted them to yeild up themselves as they did in that most exquisiâ—e Treaty where the Earl of Worcester beat the Bush saith my noble Author and our Duke catched the Hare A while after he is Earl Marshal and Embassador to King â—rancis about tâ—ose two grand poinâ—s 1. That the French King should set up a Patriarch 2. That he should stop up all the payments made to Rome wiâ—h fair promises of that supply of men and money he then most wanted When the Pope stuck to Queen Katherine three things he advised the King to 1. To teach the people that a general Council was above the Pope and proclaim that he did appeal to it 2. To fix upon every Church-Door the Dowagers Appeal to Rome and the late Statute against it 3. To confederate with the Kings of Hungaâ—y and Poland the Estates of the Empire and the Hanse Towns Three things that would settle his People at home and
he over-reached the Emperour no less than the Earl oâ— Worcester did the French King so cunningly binding him that he understood nothing of our Affairs and yet so narrowly siâ—ting him that we knew all his Intrigues Visible was all the world to our State then and invisible our State to all the world From Germany he is sent with Richard Sampson D. H. to Spain to set Charles as forward against the French as he had done Maximilian His service advanced him to the honour of a Barony and a Viscountship and the profit of the Treasureship of the Houshold and his success upon the Malecontent Duke of Bourbon by Sir Io. Russel who treated with him in Disguise set him as high in the Kings favour as his Wife was a virtuous Lady that was the Kings Friend but not his Mistriss his delight and not his sin In Spain so earnestly did our Sir Thomas mediate â—or the delivering up of the French Hostages that as Sandoval saith Charles protested to him that for his sake onlâ— he would relinquish his Demand for the restitution of Burgundy in which the difficulty of the peace consisted adding further That for the same reason he would accept as well for Francis his two sons ransome as his charge what was freely offered viz. 2000000 Crowns and he with Sir Robert Poyntz make up that treaty the great Arbiâ—rators of Europe at whose disposal Kings set their Crowns and Kingdoms their Peace in whose breast fate the fate of Christendome by their voices to stand or fall As faithful is he to the King at home though to his own prejudice as he is serviceable abroad to his honour for when the people talked oddly out of envy to his Daughter now visibly in favour and piâ—y to Qâ—een Katherine Sir Thomas adviseth his Majesty to â—orbid his Daughter the Court and declare that those proceedings â—ere more to satisfie his Conscience and secure Succession than to gratifie any other more private respect so far to his Daughters discontent that she would not come near the King until her Father was commanded not without threats to bring her thither who by representing the common danger to them both obtained at length saith my Lord Herbert though not without much difficulty the consâ—â—t of his unwilling Daughter to return where yet she kept that distance that the King might easily perceive how sensible she was of her late dismission Sir Thomas would have married her to the Lord Percy but the King and Cardinal forbad it deterrin old Northumberland from it and he his Son Many Love-Letters between King Henry and Anne Bolen are sent to Rome one Letter beâ—wâ—en the Cardinal and his Confedeâ—ates is fetched thence by Sir Thomas his Dexterity who advised Sir Francis Bryan then Resident to get in with the Popes Closet-keepers Courtezan and shew her the Cardinals hand by which she might find out and copy his Expresses as she did to his ruine and our King 's great satisfaction To which Letter is annexed a Declaration under his hand and the Lords Darcy Mountjoy Dorset and Norâ—olk of 44 Articles against the great Cardinal His hand being now in he must through He adviseth the King to consult the Universities of Christendome He goeth in person when made Earl of Wiltshire to the Pope and contrives that a Declaration of the whole Kingdome in Parliament should follow him which so amused his Holiness with our Earls stratagems that he was asleep as it were until the state of England was quite altered To this he adds the peace with France and the interview with King Francis where his Daughter is married privately and her Brother made Yiscount Rochford Convening a Parliament to his mind at Black-Fryers and advancing an Arch-bishop to his purpose in Canterbury he is secure of the Church and of the Kingdom whereof the first hallowed the action the second confirmed it I say nothing of the bird the egge is bad and left by the hard hearted and Orstredg posterity in the Sand thinking it more engenuous to confess that the scandal of it is not to be answered than to bustle and keep a coil and twist new errors with old falling to Scylla for fear of Charybdis for fear of the absurditieâ— that dropped from that first one as thick as Sampsons Enemies heaps upon heaps Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Howard HE set out with his Fathers Reputation and came home with his own Britain feels his Arm to this day and the French his success Desperate were his Undertakings yet happy rash his Engagements yet honourable it being his Maxime That never did Sea-man good that was not resolute to a degree of madness The French Fleet he pursueth to the Haven under their own Forts closely Sir Edward considering the order wherein the French lay thought fit to advertise his King and Master thereof advising him withal saith my Author to come in person and have the glory of this Action but the Kings Council taking this Message into consideration and conceiving that it was not altogether fear as was thought but stratagem and cunning that made the French thus attend their advantage thought the King was not invited so much to the honour as to the danger of this Action therefore they write sharply to him again commanding him to do his duty whereof that brave person was so sensible that he landed 1500 men in the sight of 10000 and wasted the Country until being too confident he fell a while after into his Enemies hands the Lord Ferrers Sir Thomas Cheyney Sir Richard Cornwal and Sir Iohn Wallop looking on but not able to relieve him Four Reasons he would usually give against a War with the Low-Countries 1. The decay of Trade 2. The Diminution of Customs 3. The strengthening of France 4. The loss of their industry and inventions and so of the improvement of our Commodities Manufactures In the youth of this State as of all others Arms did flourish in the Middle-gate of it Learning and in the Declining as Covetousness and Thrift attend Old Age Mechanick Arts and Merchandize and this Gentleman was made for each part being not so much a Souldier as a Scholar nor so much a Scholar as a Merchant But a private spirit is most unfortunate and as my Oracle assures me whereas men of that temper all their time sacrifice to themselves they become in the end themselves sacrifices to fortune whose wings they thought by their wisdome to have pinioned Observations on the life of Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey SIr Thomas Howard was this Kings prime Counsellour a brave and an understanding man who was obliged to be faithful to his Master because an Enemy to Winchester emulation among Favourites is the security of Princes Four motives he offered for a Marriage with the Princess Katharine 1. A League with Spain against the growing power of our dangerous Neighbour France 2. The saving of much time and expense in Marriage by her being here 3. The
be too close therefoâ—e we have fâ—iends to ease our selves it ruineth a man to be too open therefore there is a secret not to be communicated to a friend When the Duke of Buckingham made Knevet his Confessour he made him his Master He that is Master of my Heart is Master of my Life If my Shirt said Metellus knew my minde I would burn it If my Servant or Friend knows my intentions I must either undo him oâ— be undone by him unless he be so much above a man as not out of weakness to discover me or so much above a sinner as not out of corruption to betray me Wild Beasts dwell in Dens Fishes be in Muâ— and Birds in Nests and a Wise Man is wrapped up in security Gyges hiâ— Ring was his wiâ—dome whereby he undeâ—stood others and was reserved himself It 's pity he ever learned to speak that knoweth not how to be silent I would first be so wise sâ—ith a Wit and Wiâ—dome of our Agâ— as to be my own Counsellour and next so secret as to be my own Counsel-keeper Some of my Servants may be of my Bed-chamber but none shall be of my closet Before I told you of this saith Charles the Fifth of a Designe discovered upon the seventeen Provinceâ— to his Favourite Lunembergh I was Emperour but now you are so But the heighth of the Dukes â—pâ—â—it was equally unfortunate with the openness of it and he fell no less because he despiâ—ed Knevet than because he trusted him Contemned Dangers ruine surely while â—hey suâ—prize us at once naked and careleâ—s as ill prepared to offend the slighted Adversary as to defend our misunderstood Selves The least Beings have their â—pleen and command our caution No creature too mean to be mischievous none too inconsiderate to be feared As long as Weakness can cling to Power and Power to Malice what Knevet would but could not that Wolsey could and would If my Enemy be strong he shall awe if weak he shall guard my Life Two things are necessary in this Life Faithful Friends or Severe Enemies Tâ—e fewer of the former men of the Dukes fortune have the more use they should make of the latter The greatest Enemy when observed may do me a great kindness the least neglected can do no little mischief Security is the only misfortune and Carelessness the only fate that distresseth the World But the Duke threw away his life in a fatal word that could not be recalled I 'le not ask the King for my Life Great need have we to guard that Tongue whence flow the issues of Liâ—e and Death and weigh those words that go abroad for the measure of our Weal or Wo our words being given us to treat with the World about either discreetly to our happiness or weakly to our ruine It hath repented men that they have spoken at all times it repented none to have been silent in King Henry's when there was no security but to the Reserved and the Pliable Dionysius the Tyrant seeing one knocked down at one blow said to his fâ—iends what a folly is it to quit so fair a command for fear of dying which lasts no longer a space Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Brown HE was always one of the Council to King Henâ—y at home and of his Commissioners abroad no Treaty passing without his presence no Negotiation without his advice the first carrying as much Majesty with it as the second did Authority the Court having bred the one to a noble Mein as Experience had done the other to an Oracle Experience I say whereby he saw more as Alexander boasted with his eye than others comprehended in their thoughts that being knowledge in him that was but conjecture in others He was the best Compound in the World a learned an honest and a travelled man a good Nature a large Soul and a settled Mind made up of Notes and Observations upon the most material points of State he could learn at Courts of Religion among the Clergy of Discipline among Souldiers of Trade among Merchants or of the situation interest avenues and strong holds by his own eyes It 's a pleasure to stand upon the shore and to see ships tost upon the Sea it 's pleasure to stand in the window of a Castle and to see a Battel with the adventures thereof below but no pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the Vantground of Truth an Hill saith my Noble Author not to be commanded and where the air is always clear and serene and to see the Errors and Wandrings the Mists and Tempests in the Vale below That content is better felt than expressed that this Noble Person took in his own clear thoughts when it was Mist all round about him and King Henry cried What say Cromwel and Brown Vespasian asked Apollonius What was Nero's overthrow and he answered him Nero could tune the Harp well but in Government sometimes he wound the pins too high and sometimes he let them down too low Sir Anthony told Henry the Eighth That his Government had been more easie if he had either set it not so lose at first or not so strict at last as there was indeed no King so various as his Master no State so changeable as his Government An even temper begets awe and reverence whilst the wide extreams create either on the one hand contempt and insolence or on the other discontent and murmuring Haughty and violent Courts never bless the Owners with a settled Peace This deep man was Leiger in Rome six years and Agent in France ten A person of great dispatch because of an orderly method and procedure which he observed to a superstition saying Time and Method are my Masters There are saith my Oracle three parts of business Preparation Debate and Perfection The middle King Henry comunicated to the whole Council the first and last to few viz. to my Lord Cromwel and Sir Anthony Brown The highest matters were his care as the Interview in France 1533. the most eminent Statesmen his fellows as the Duke of Norfolk the Lord Rochford and the Lord Paulet thoâ—e Noble Persons bearing the state and he managing the business of the Embassies The wise man of Florence took care that Ferdinando of Naples Medices of Florence Sforza of Millain shouâ—d gain nothing of one another to the gâ—eat secuâ—ity of Italy Sir Anthony watched our Neighbours Conquestâ— Trade Approaches c. so closely that none of those Potentates Charles the Fifth or King Francis could win a spot of Ground but his Master would balance it and so secure Europe The Interviews between Princes he disallowed yet to satisfie his Master he provided for that in France so sumptuously as one that understood the foâ—mality of a Pageant was a real advantage to a Government whose Interest is as much to gain a reputation by pomp and shew as support a welfare by prudence and strength others apprehension of our greatness contributing as much to our welfare as
Honour to be of Prince EDWARD's special Council for the future By his Order he had as his share of Abbey-Lands Battle-Abbey in Sussex enjoyed by his Heirs Males in a direct Line to this day And by his Authority he had the Honourable Garter He was the fiâ—st man that durst bring his Master the sad news That He must die And no wonder he durst do it for the next news is That he is dead himself How darest thou to be so plain said Heliogabalus to the Courtier Because I dare die said he I can but die if I am Faithful and I must die though I Flatter Tâ—is Gentlemans humour of crossing present proceedings was prettily reproved by King Hen. the Eighth's little story of a poor Woman drowned by mischance whose dead body whilst her Neighbours sought for down the River her Husband who knew her condition better than they advised them to seek up the River for all her life long she loved to be contrary to all others and he presumed she would swim against the stream being dead The End of the Obseâ—vations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Edward the VI. Observations on the Lives of the Seymours EDward Seymour and Thomas Seymour both Sons of Sir John Seymour of Wolful in Wiltshire I joyn them together because whilst they were united in affection they were invincible but when divided easily overthrown by their Enemies EDward Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and Treasurer of England being the elder Brother succeeded to a fair Paternal inheritance He was a valiant Souldier for Land-service fortunate and generally beloved by Martial Men. He was of an open nature free from jealousie and dissembling affable to all people He married Anne Daughter to Sir Edward Stanhop a Lady of a high mind and haughty undaunted spirit THOMAS SEYMOUR the Younger brother was made BARON of Sudley and by Offices and the favours of his Nephew King Edward the sixth obtained a great Estate He was well experienced in Sea-Affairs and made Lord Admiral of England He lay at a close postuâ—e being of a reserved nature and more cunning in his carriage He married Queen Katherine Pâ—rr the Widow of King Henry 8. Very great the Animosities betwixt their Wives the Dutchess refusing to bear the Queens Trainâ— and in effect justled with her for precedence se that what betwixt the Train of the Queen and lonâ— Gown of the Dutchess they raised so much dust at the Court as at last put out the eyes of both their Husbands and occasioned their Executionâ— Their Sisters Beauty commended them to the Kingâ— favours but a frail support that which is as lasting only as a Phancy and only as certain as Passion therefore their Parts recommended them to his service Affection shall lead me to Court but I 'le take care that Inâ—erest keeps me there Sir Edward Seymours temper suited with the Kings Inclinations and his spirit with his times both high both stirring In the throng of Courtiers there aâ—e but three steps to raise a man to observations 1. Some pecuâ—iar sufficiency 2. Some particular exploit and 3. An especial Friend This Noble Person shewed the first with advantage in that draught of Military Discipline presented to Henry the eighth wherein the embattling is most remarkable viz. Twenty two compleat Companies make up four Squadrons eveâ—y Squadron of Pikes and Musquets being drawn up apart the Pikes and Colours on the left hâ—nd and the Musqueteers on the right These Squadrons make up a Brigade to be drawn up as followeth viz. Ten Corporalships of Musqueteers being 34 Rots divided into five Plattons every Platton being nine or so in front led by a Major and every division by a sufficient Commander Next after these Thirty six Rots of Pikes are to follow being twelve Corporalships with their Colours following them till they are drawn up even in front with the 32 Rots of Musqueteers This makes the Right Wing of the Brigade 2. The Battel of Pikes moveth forward in division doing in all respects as the former till they range even in front with the Pikes of the Right Wing Then the oâ—her 32 Rots of Musqueteers belonging to the middle Squadron who are appointed to make the Battel of the Brigade are led up as the first Musqueteers in all points but at a reasonable distance behind the Pikes of their own Squadrons Then the last Squadron of Pikes marcheth up in all respects observing the same order until they have attained to range in front even with oâ—her â—ikes This being done the Battel or middle Squadron oâ— Pikes and Musquets advanceth in one body until it 's clear of the Wings Lastly the Surplus of the three Squadrons being 48 Rots of Muâ—quetâ—eâ—s are drawn up behind the Brigadâ—e where they are to attend the Commands of their Officers to guard the Baggage or Cannon to be Convoâ—es for Ammunition or Victuals to the rest or continue a reserve to wait upon all occasions 2. Eminent was his ability for this Draught more eminent for his performance agreeable to it in Britain where he sate before a Town six weeks to no purpose while it expected relief from Italy But at last he inâ—inuates a jealousie between the Pope and the French King touching that City that obstructed all relief He with aâ— much speed and policy sets upon the two main Scâ—â—res for defense of the Town and took them bâ—th battering the Town and Castle with that violence and noise that they say it was heard 100 miles off A Train of Powder is laid to blow them up when they should enter but this succeeded not For the French in passing the Ditch had so weted their cloaths that dropping upon the Train the Powder would not take fire and so all things conspiring to crown his valour with success he takes the Castle first and then dividing the Town and weakning it by several assaults at once brought it to his own terms Here his Valour had been eminent but that his conduct was more and his Conduct renowned but that his nobleness towards the Conquered his civility and obligingness towards the Souldiery and his integrity towards all persons had out-done that There are but two things that a subject can honestly oblige his Prince in 1. Keeping his subjects in peace at home 2. Keeping his enemies under abroad 1. Those soft but prudent Acts of Peace 2. Those resolved but well-managed wayes of War Sir Thomas wanted neither a resolution for the one nor a temper for the other But sufficiency and merits are neglected things when not befriended Princes are too reserved to be taken with the first appearances of worth unless recommended by tryed judgments It 's fit as well as common that they have their Counsellours for persons as well as things His Sister therefore was married on Whit sunday and he is on the Tuesday following created Viscount Beauchamp But
desperately sick the King carefully enquired of him every day at last his Physician told him there was no hope for his life being given over by him for a dead man No said the King he will not die at this time for this morning I begged his life from God in my Prayers and obtained it Which accordingly came to pass and he soon after against all expectation wonderfully recovered This saith Doctor Fuller was attested by the old Earl of Huntington bred up in his childhood with King Edward to Sir Tho. Cheeke who anno 1654. was alive and â—0 years of Age. But though his Prayers saved his Tutors Life none could save his who died with the Protestant Religion in his heart and arms and Sir Iohn had died with him but that being outed of all his preferments he outed himself from the Kingdome loving to all the English Exiles at Strasburgh and well beloved all over Germany until trusting to the Stars too much would he had either not gone so high or gone a little higher for advice and his friends too little he went to meet his dear Wife in Brabant where neither my Lord Paget's promise nor Sir Iohn Mason's pledges nor Abbot Fecknam's intercession could excuse him â—rom being unhorsed and carted imprisoned and tortured vexed with all the arts of power and perplexed until his hard usage meeting with some fair promises brought him to a Recantation that broke his heart and after much melancholick sighing and silence brought him to his Grave The great example of Parts and Ingenuity of frailty and infirmity of repentance and piety Forced he was to sit with Bonner in his Courts but forced he would not be to joyn with him in his judgment look on he did but weep and groan too A good Christian he was witness his pious Epistles an excellent States-man as appears by his True Subject to the Rebel a Book as seasonably republished by Doctor Langbaine of Queens Colledge in Oxford in the excellent King Charlâ—s his troubles as it was at first written in the good King Edward's commotions Vespasian said of Apollonius That his Gate was open to all Philosophers but his Heart to Him And Sir Iohn Cheeke would say to Father Latimer I have an Ear for other Divines but I have an Heart for You. A Country-man in Spain coming to an Image enshrined â—he extruction and first making whereof he could well remember and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected You need not quoth he be so proud for we have known you from a Plum-Tree â— Sir Iohn Cheeke one day discoursing of the Pope's Threats said He need not be so high for we have known him a Chaplain He took much delight in that saying of Herod the Sophist when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet When I would eat said he I have no hands when I would go I have no feet but when I must be pained I have both hands and feet Applying it thus When we would serve God we have no soul when we would serve our Neighbours we have no body but when we suffer â—or neglecting both we shall find we have both a body and a soul. Gustavus Adolphus some three days before his death said Our affairs answer our desires but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of my Pâ—ople who attribute too much to me and esteem me as it were their God and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man I submit to his will and I know he will not leave this great Enterprise of mine imperfect Three things Sir Iohn Cheeke observed of Edward the sixth 1. That the Peoples esteem of him would loose him 2. That his Reformation should be overthrown 3. That yet it should recover and be finished As to publick Councels 1. Sir Iohn was against the War with Scotland which he said was rather to be united to England than separated from it 2. He was against King Edward's will saying He would never distrust God so far in the preservation of his true Religion as to disinherit Orphans to keep up Protestantism 3. He laid a Platform of a VVar with Spain 4. He kept Neuter in the Court-factions 5. Bishop Ridley Doctor Coxe seconded and Sir Iohn Cheeke contrived all King Edward's Acts of Charity Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wentworth SIr Tho. Wentworth of Nettlesâ—ed in Suffolk of a younger Family confessed by the Crescent in his Coat descended from the Wentworths of Wentworth-wood-house in York-shire and was created Baron Wentworth by King Henry the viii He was a stout and valiant Gentleman a cordial Protestant and his Family a Sanctuary of such Professors Iohn Bale comparing him to the good Centurion in the Gospel and gratefully acknowledging him the cause of his conversion from a Carmelite The memory of this good Lord is much but unjustly blemished because Calis was lost the last of Queen Mary under his Government The manner was huddled up in our Chronicles least is best of bad business whereof this is the effect The English being secure by reason of the last Conquest at St. Quintin and the Duke of Guise having notice thereof he sate down before the Town at the time not when Kings go forth to but return from battle of mid-winter even upon New-years-day Next day he took the two Forts of Risebank and Newman-bridge wherein the strength of the City consisted but whether they were undermined or overmoneyed it is not decided and the last left most suspicious VVithin three Days the Castle of Calis which commanded the City and was under the command of Sir Ralph Chamberlain was taken the French wading through the Ditches made shallower by their artificial cut and then entring the Town were repulsed back by Sir Anthony Ager Marshal of Calis the only Man saith Stow who was â—illed in the Fight understand him of note others for the credit of the business accounting four-score lost in that service The French re-entring the City the next Day being Twelfth-day the Lord Wentworth Deputy thereof made but vain resistance which alas was like the wrigling of a Worms tayl after the head thereof is cut off so that he was forced to take what terms he could get viz. That the Towns-men should depart though plundered to a Groat with their Lives and himself with 49 more such as the Duke of Guise should chuse should remain Prisoners to be put to ransome This was the best news brought to Paris and worst to London â—or many years before It not only abated the Queens chear the remnant of Christmas but her mirth all the days of her life Yet might she thank her self for loosing this Key of France because she hung it by her side with so slender a string there being but Five Hundred Souldiers effectually in the Garrison too few to manage such a piece of importance The Lord Wentworth the second of Iune following was solemnly condemned for Treason though unheard as
at Court often to encourage them for the other getting his Commanders always power and authority enough to do their Masters business but never enough to do their own There being always a contest between the Populacy and the Souldiers whom nothing reconciles but downright force and necessity it was death to his Followers to be irregular because one of their miscarriages exasperates a million and distastes a Kingdom so necessary is a strict Discipline in the Camp and an impartial Justice in the Countrey Outward occasions help Fortune a Man 's own temper makes it when there be as my Lord Bacon writes no stops or restiveness in a Man's mind but that the wheels of that keeps even with those of fortune Sir Clement and Cato Major were both of a make both having tantum robur corporis animi ut quocunque loco nati essent fortunam sibi facturi viderentur Observations on the Life of the Lord Rich. HE must needs be preferred who was so richly descended and nobly allied as to shew at Court upon his first appearance sixty Noblemen and Knights of his Relation and a hundred and fifty thousand Pound a Year Revenue among his Friends He was more beholding to the Temple for his Law than to the Universities for his Learning His severe and active Nature aspiring above the pedantiqueness of a Scholar to the usefulness of a States-man I could never endure saith he those Studies that furnish me only with unactive thoughts and useless discourse that teach me only to think and speak His staid and solid parts commended Him to Cromwel and Cromwel recommended him to King Henry the Eighth He was Solicitor-General to His Majesty and Steward to his Master Cromwel was the Mâ—wl and Rich the Hammer of Abbeys He laid open to the Monks their faults and his Master made use of it to force them to a surrendry For as he said when those Religious Societies saw they had faults enough discovered to take away their Lands they had wit enough to give them up His Counsels overthrew Popery and his Deposition cut off Sir Thomas More for being sent to Sir Thomas after much discourse with him he asked him this subtle Question Whether he would acknowledge the King Supream Head if it were enjoyned by an Act of Parliament Sir Thomas asked him again If the Parliament enacted that God should not be Lord whether he should consent to it And those words undid him He saw that the Protestant Religion was the Interest of England as well as the Doctrine of Scripture and therefore he carried it on in point of policy as Archbishop Cranmer did in point of conscience King Henry the eighth admired his distinct reasoning and stayed judgment and Queen Anne Bullen was taken with his graceful eloquence and ingenious discourses In the morning his plyant soul that could answer all the turnings and windings of business was as reserved and solid as that of a demure States-man in the evening as chearful and merry as that of a Debonair Courtier He was the wisdome of the Court in the Presence and its wit in the Closet its Oracle there and its pleasure here King Henry the eighth made him one of his Legators and King Edward the sixth one of his Council Under him he carried on the Protestant Religion in point of conscience which others managed in point of interest He designed the degrees of the Reformation and he set out its method than whom none more zealous in things necessary none more moderate in things indifferent Active he was but wary stirring but cautious To him the Reformers resorted in point of Law as to Cranmer and Ridley in point of Religion Such his Prudence that the Protector made him his Friend such his Integrity that the King made him Chancellour where his Decrees were just his Dispatches quick his Judgments speedy his Sums of Debates â—ull and satisfactory his Sentences irreversible his Assistants in the Rolls anâ— other Courts able and honest None more complyant to Reason none more stiff in things againsâ— Reason He would do any thing for King Edward the sixth's interest nothing for Duke Dudley's ambition therefore he observing the course of Affairs would rather resign his Place than his Integrity when he could not with a safe conscience keep it he with a contented mind parted with it being honoured with the Barony of Leez and enriched with the Western Abbies it being the Prudence of that time to interest the Nobility in the Papal Revenues that so they might be engaged against the Authority R. Rich Lord Chancellour saith my Author then living in Great St. Bartholomews though outwardly concurring with the rest began now secretly to favour the Duke of Somerset and sent him a Letter therein acquainting him with all passages at the Council-board subscribing the same either out of hast or familiarity with no other Direction save To the Duke enjoyning his servant a new Attendant as newly entred into his Family safely to deliver it The Man made more hast than good speed and his Lord wondring at his quick return demanded of him where the Duke was when he delivered him the Letter In the Charter-house said the servant on the same token that he read it at the Window and smiled thereat But the Lord Rich smiled not at the Relation as sadly sensible of the mistake and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk no great friend of his and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning who may be presumed not to have slept all Night He hieth to the Court and having gotten admittance into the Bed-chamber before the King was up fell down on his Knees and desired that his Old Age might be eased of this burthensome Office pleading that there ought to be some preparatory intervals in States-men between their temporal business and their death in order to which he desired to retire to Essex there to attend his own Devotions Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his Request And thus he saved himself from being stripped by others by first pulling off his own Cloaths who otherwise had lost his Chancellours place for revealing the secrets of the Council-board There are few places so impregnable but Nature hath left in them some place or other by which they may be taken none being armed at all points so well but there is some way left whereby he may be surprized He is the strongest that hath fewest accesses He was a wise Man that said Delay hath undone many for the other World Hast hath undone more for this Time well managed saves all in both But there is a Wheel in things which undoeth all those that have not a Wheel that answereth it in their Souls I mean a great capacity to comply and close with those grand Vicissitudes that with small and unobserved circumstances turn round the World which this great Man was Master of who
by her But Cordel was too Popular to be neglected and too honest to be corrupted Useful Parts will finde Preferment even when the Dissenting Judgement findes not Favouâ— The Speaker of the unhappily healing Parliamâ—nt was made Master of the Rolls in Queen Maries days and of a more happily healing one was made so in Charles the Second's Reign The one was of that Primitive Faith that was before the Modern names of Papists and Protestants the other of a Moderation that was elder than the new Heats of Disciplinarians and Anti-Disciplinarians The miscarriages of Authority are chiefly sixâ— 1. Delay 2. Faction 3. Roughness 4. Corruption 5. Ambition And 6. Private Designs No delay hindred where set times of hearing were observed access was easie the order and method of business uninterrupted No corruption where there durst be no suspicion of it insomuch as that it was heinous to offer a Bribe to him as to take it in another Here was severity that awed men to a discontent but no austerity that sowred them to discontent all was smooth and grave pleasing and becoming yet nothing easiâ— or soft it being worse to yield to importunities that are dayly than to be bought with money which comes but seldom Vâ—rtue in Ambition is violent but in Authority as here it was calm and settled He â—ided with no Faction in his rise but balanced himself by all He had no design when he lived but to be spent in the Publick Service and none when he dyed but to spend himself in publick charity a charity that is at once the continued blessing and grace of that worshipful Family Cato Major would saâ— That wise men learn more of fools than fools do of wise men And King Charles the first would say That it was wisdom in fools to jest with wise men but madness for wisemen to iest with fools And Sir william Cordel bequeathed us this Oâ—servation There is no man that talks but I may gain by him and none that holds his toâ—gue but I may lose by him Observations on the Life of Sir Anthony Cooke SIr Anthony Cooke greâ—t Grandchilde to Sir Thomas Cooke Lord Mayor of London was born at Giddy-Hall in Essex where he finished a fair House begun by his great Grandfather as appeareth by this Inscription on the Frontispiece thereof AEdibus his frontem Proavus Thomas dedit olim Addidit Antoni caetera sera manus He was one of the Governors to King Edward the â—ixth when Prince and is charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir antiqua â—erenitate He observeth him also to be happy in his Daughters learned above their Sex in Greek and Latine namely 1. Mildred married unto William Cecil Lord Treasurer of England 2. Anne married unto Nicholas Bacon L. Chancellour of England 3. Katherine married unto Henry Killigrew K t 4. Elizabeth married unto Thomas Hobby K t 5. 〈◊〉 married unto Ralph Rowlet K t Sir Anthony Cooke dyed in the year of our Lord 1576. leaving a fair Estate unto his Son in whose name it continued till our time Gravity was the Ballast of his Soul and General Learning its Leading In him met the three things that set up a Family 1. An Estate honestly gotten in the City 2. An Education well managed in the University And 3. Honor well bestowed at Court Yet he was some-body in every Art and eminent in all the whole circle of Arts lodging in his soul. His Latine fluent and proper his Greek critical and exact his Philology and Observations upon each of these Languages deep curious various and pertinent His Logick rational his History and Experience general his Rhetorick and Poetry copious and genuine his Mathematicks practicable and useful Knowing that souls were equal and that Women are as capable of learning as Men he instilled that to his Daughters at night which he had taught the Prince in the day being resolved to have Sons by Education for fear he should have none by birch and lest he wanted am â—eir of his body he made five of his mind for whom he had at once a Gavel-kind of affection and of Estate His Childrens maintenance was always according to their quality and their employment according to their disposition neither allowing them to live above their fortunes nor forcing them against their natures It is the happiness of Forreigners that their Vocations are suited to their Natures and that their Education seconds their Inclination and both byass and ground do wonders Iâ—s the unhappiness of Englishmen that they are bred rather according to their Estates than their temper and Great Parts have been lost while their Calling drew one way and their Genius another and they sadly say Multum incola fuere animae nostrae We have dwelt from home Force makes Nature more violent in the return Doctrine and Discourse may make it less importune Custom may hide or suppress it nothing can extinguish it Nature even in the softer Sex runs either to Weeds or Herbs careful was this good Father therefore seasonably to water the one and destroy the other Much was done by his grave Rules more by his graver life that Map of Precepts Precepts teach but Examples draw Maxima debetur pueris reverentia was Cato's Maxime Three things there are before whom was Sir Anthony's saying I cannot do amissâ— 1. My Prince 2. My Conscience 3. My Children Seneca told his Sister That though he could not leave her a great portion he would leave her a good pattern Sir Anthony would write to his Daughter Mildred My example is your inheritance and my life is your portion His first care was to embue their tender souls with a knowing serious and sober Religion which went with them to their graves His next business was to inure their youngâ—r years to submission modesty and obedience and to let their instructions grow with their years Their Book and Pen was their Recreation the Mâ—sick and Dancing School the Court and City their accomplishment the Needle in the Closet and House-wifry in the Hall and Kitchings their business They were reproved but with reason that convinced and checked that wrought aswell an ingenious shame as an unfeigned sorrow and a dutiful fear Fondness never loved his Children aâ—d Passion never chastised them but all was managed with that prudence and discretion that my Lord Seymor standing by one day when this Gentleman chiâ— his Son said Some men govern Families with more skill than others do Kingdoms and thereupon commended hiâ— to the Government of his Nephew Edward the sixth Such the Mâ—jâ—stie of his looks and gate that Aâ—â— governed such the reason and sweetness that love obliged all his Family a Family equally afraid to displease so good a Head and to offend so great In their marriage they were guided by his Reason more than his Will and rather directed by his Counsel than led by his Authority They were their own portion Parts Beauty and Breeding bestow themselves His care was that his Daughters might have compleat
's Fear that makes Gods and rules the world an easie man is useless a facile-natured man may be a good Companion for a private person but no Servant to a Prince Remisness and Connivance are the ruines of unsettled Governments The Game of Authority will not admit of too open a play In a word he was one that knew the resorts and falls oâ— business though he could not sink into the main of a matter being one that packed the Cards better than he played them Three things compleated this Secretary 1. Quick dispatch and industry 2. Constant intelligence and correspondence 3. A large and strong memory Queen Elizabeth would needs at first favour my Lord of Leicester against the Eâ—rl of Sussex which this Doctor and my Lord Burleigh disswaded upon this account Because if she who should be the common Mother of all inclined to one party and leaned to a side the Ship of the Commonweaâ—th would be as a Boat overturned by too much weight on the one â—ide and too little on the otherâ— Take heed said the Royal Martâ—r to his Son our Sovâ—raign of abetting any Faction or applying to any publick Discriminaetion your partial adhering as head to any one side gains you not so great advantages in some mens hearts who are prone to go on in the Kings way as it loseth you in others who think themselves fiâ—st despised and then persecuted by you Take such a course as may either with calmness and charity quite remove the seeming differences and offences by impartiality or so order affairs in point of power that you shall not need to fear or flatter any faction for if ever you stand in need of them or stand to their courtesie you are undone His Place called upon him to suppress with severity such seditious reflexions upon the State as came to his knowledge but his inclination was to dissipate them with connivance and contempt To be opposed renders a Faction considerable to be despised and wretched ridiculous To go about to stop the first appearances of sedition is saith my Lord Bacon but to make wonder long-lived His knack was a politick and artificial nourishing and â—ntertaining of hopes and keeping men in suspence is one of the best Antidotes against the poyson of discontent it being observed by the foresaid States-men to be a certain sign of a wise Government and Proceedings to hold mens hearts by hopes when it cannot by satisfaction and when it can handle things in such manner as no evil shall appear so peremptory but that it hath some ouâ—-let of hope which is the easier done because both particular persons and factions are apt enough to flatter themselves or at least to boast what they believe not In a word although he made not so much noise as other men yet he as effectually promoted the three main Supporters of this Nation 1. It s Native Commodities 2. It s Artificial Manufactures 3. It s Vâ—cture and Corâ—iage and so dyed with that conâ—ent and râ—solution that they do who are overtaâ—en by Fate in the pursuit of great Actions and publick Designs Observations on the life of Sir John Portman John Portman Knight was born of wealthy and woâ—shâ—pful Extraction at Portman's Orchard in Somersetshire a fair Mannor which dâ—scended to him by inheritance the Heir of the Orchard being match'd into his Family He was bred in the study of the Common Law attaining to such eminency therein that Iune 11. 2d of Queen Mary he was made Chief Justice of the Kings Bench continuing two years in the place and dying therein for ought I find to the contrary and a Baronet of his Name and Linage flourisheth at this day with a great and plentiful Estate No doubt but he dyed in his place there being none of those things that carry disgrace and downfal with them incident to him For the first thing that ruines a Courtier is a boasting of his own service and than our Knight none more modest The second is an undutiful observation of our Princes actions and none more faithful and meek The third is the revealing or abusing os secrets and none more reserved and civil The fourth thing is either provoking the Nobility against himself or dividing them among themselves he was too wise for the one his design being rather alliance than quarrel to add interâ—st to his Estate and honor to his Riches and too quiet for the other Many have an Opinion not wise saith that Oracle that for a Prince to govern his Estate or for a great Person to guide his Proceedings according to the respect of factions is a principal part of policy whereas contrariwise the chiefest wisdom is eâ—â—her in ordering those things that are general and wherein men of several factions do nevertheless agree or in dealing with or correspondence to particular persons one by one Mean men in their rising must adhere but Great men that have strength in themselves were better to maintain themselves indifferent and neutral The fifth particular that pulleth down a man is a misunderstanding of his own interest or the Princes Our Judge undeâ—stood both being equally made up of Craterus and Haephestion faithfulness and compliance The sixth is the hatred of the many whom this persons integrity always obliged there being no herd more feral than an enâ—aged multitude or the envy of the great whom his wariness disobliged not it being more fatal to incense a Favorite who would be above all affronts by his greatness than a Prince who is so by Law The seventh misfortune is to be too much concerned in the secrets of Princes wherewith Sir William never meddled without assistants never acted without a Warrant The eighth is unsuccessful Counsel and our Knight went the safe and middle way neither to be feared nor envied which he was always present to second prosecute or correct as he saw most cause His sharp and sound judgement to distinguish Persons Affairs and other Circumstances and accordingly how to order the manner of his Proceeddings was much his well-weighed and wary though quick apprehension and experience from Men and Books more his particular memory and its minute observation for his conduct and business most of all His care of vain and idle Preposessions balanced his soul his temper managed it his love was choice and cautious his hope moderate and knowing his confidence slow but certain his desires and joys allayed and checked or quickened by the edge of his anger or the caution of his fear and all sedate with his foresight Nature did this person some wrong in his Body but made him amends in his Soul the fails of the one are fâ—ils to set off the other the first comes off with more Glory by the pully and defect of the secondâ— Besides that the unkindness of Nature puts men often upon being eminent in Art that the happiness of this may divert men from observing the unhappiness of that But of all the Vertues his constant and growing
in the Inner Temple in the study of the Laws untill his ability and integrity advanced him Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in the Thirtieth of Henry the Eighth He gave for his Motto AEquitas Iustitia Norma And although Equity seemeth rather to resent of the Chancery than the Kings Bench yet the best Justice will be Wormwood without a mixture thereof In his times though the golden showers of Abbey-Lands rained amongst great men it was long before he would open his lap scrupling the acception of such Gifts and at last received but little in proportion to Others of that Age. In the thirty seventh of King Henry the Eighth he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas a descent in Honour but ascent in Profit it being given to old Age rather to be thrifty than ambitious Whereupon he said I am now an old man and love the Kitchin before the Hall the warmest place best suiting with my Age. In drawing up the Will of King Edward the Sixth and setling the Crown on the Lady Iane for a time he swam against the tide and torrent of Duke Dudley till at last he was carried away with the stream Outed of his Judges Office in the first of Queen Mary he returned into Northampton-shire and what contentment he could not finde in Westminster-hall his Hospital-hall at Bougâ—ton afforded him He died Anno 1556. and lieth buâ—ied in the Parish Church of Weekly His well-managed Argument in Dodderige his Case brought him to Cromwel's knowledge who was vexed with his reason but well pleased with his Parts Crowmel's recommendaâ—ion and his own modest nature set him up with Henry the Eighth who could not endure two things 1. A Lawyer that would not be guided 2. A Divine that would not be taught Yet as modest as he was he was honest and though he would submit to the Kings Power yet would he act by his Law For his Apophthegm was Mèum est Ius dicere potius quam Ius dare Iâ—'s my duty to interpret rather than give Law He never denied or delayed Jâ—stice alwayes discouraging those cunning Lâ—ws that perplexed a Cause those contentious Clients that delayed a suit and those nice Cummin-seed men that strained iâ—ferences and wâ—ested câ—nstructions Patient stayed and equal he was in hearing grave in speaking pertinent in interrogating wary in observing happy in remembring seasonable and civil in interposing The Council durst not chop with him neither would he chop with the Council unless he defended his cause over-boldly urged indiscreetly informed slightly neglected grosly renewed the debate unseasonably or ensnared his Adversaries cunningly in those and other the like cases he would do the Publick Right by a check and the person by an admonition Six sorts of persons he discountenanced in his Courts 1. The scandalous Exactors 2. The slie shifters that as that Chancellour observed pervert the plain and direct courses of Courts and bring Justice into oblique lines and labyrinths 3. Those that engaged Courts in quarrels of Jurisdiction 4. Those that made suits 5. Those that hunted men upon Poenal Statutes 6. Those that appeared in most Testimonies and Juries His Darling was The hâ—nâ—st Clerk who was experienced in his place obliging in his carriage knowing in Presidents cautious in Proceedings and skilful in the affairs of the Court. Two things he promoted in King Henry's days 1. The Law against Gaming And 2. The Order against Stews And two in King Edward's 1. That Act against sâ—reading of Prophecies 2. That Statute against embasing of Coyn. But King Edward's Testament and the Duke of Northumberland's Will is to be made The pious Intentions of that King wishing well to the Reformation the Religion of Qâ—een Mary obnoxious to exception the ambition of Northumberland who would do what he listed the weakness of Suffolk who would be done with as the other pleased the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply designed the Crown for the Lady Iane Grey Mr. Cecil is sent for to London to furnish that Will with Reason of State and Sir Edward to Serjeants Inn to make it up with Law He according to the letter sent him went with Sir Io. Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitor-General to Greenwâ—ch where His Majestie before the Marquess of Northampton declaring himself for the settlement of Religion and against the succession of Qâ—een Mary offered them a Bill of Articks to make a Book of which they notwithstanding the Kings Charge and the reâ—teration of it by Sir William Peter declared upon mature consideration they could not do without involving themselves and the Lords of the Council in High Treason because of the Statutes of Succession The Duke of Northumberland hearing of their Declaration by the Lord Admiral comes to the Council-Chamber all in a rage trembling for anger calling Sir Edward Traytor and saying He would fight in his shirt with any man in that Quarrel The old man is charged by the King upon his Allegiance and the Council upon his Life to make the Book which he did when they promised it should be ratified in Parliament Here was his obedience not his invention not to devise but draw things up according to the Articles tendred unto him Since shame is that which ambitious Nature abhorreth and danger is that which timorous Nature declineth the honest man must be resolute Sir Nathaniel Brent would say A Coward cannot be an honest man and it seems by this Action that modesty and fear are great temptations Give me those four great Vertues that makes a man 1. A clear Innocence 2. A comprensive Knowledge 3. A well-weighed experience And 4. The product of all these A steady Resolution What a Skein of Ruffled Silk saith the ingenious Resolver is the incomposed man Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Fines EDward Fines Lord Clinton Knight of the Garter was Lord Admiral of England for more than thirty years He was wise valiant and very fortunate as appears by his Master-piece in Museleborough field in the reign of King Edward the sixth and the Battle against the Scots He was afterwards created Earl of Lincoln where he was born May 4. 1474. and where he had a proportionable Estate to support his Dignity which he much increased beside his Paternal Inheritance He died Ianuary 16. 1558. and lieth buried at Windsor in a private Chappel under a stately Mâ—nument which Elizabeth his third Wife Daughter to the Earl of Kildare erected in his remembrance His Fortune made him a younger Bâ—other and his Industry an Heir coming to Court where they that have Estates spend them and they that have none gain them His recreation was at Court but his business in the Country where notwithstanding the Statute in â—enry the sevenths time against Pasturage for Tillage he Grazed 11000 Acres of Ground then a noble and gaining Employment that advanced many a Family in one Generation and now a saving one that hath kept up as many ten The best tempered Swords will bend
any way and the best metalled men will comply with any occasion At White-hall none more affable and courteous than our Lord at Sea none more skilful in the field none more resolute in the Country none more thrifty and hospitable His Entertainments were ordeâ—ly and suitable made up of solid particulars all growing upon his own Estate King Charles would say Every man hath his vanity and mine â—peaking of the Soveraign is Building Every man hath his humour and mine said he speaking of the Fens is Drayning Adding withal He that would be merry for a day let him be trimmed he that would be merry for a week let him marry â—e that would be merry for a year let him build he that would be merry for Ages let him improve Now you would have him among his Workmen and Stewards in Lincoln anon among the Commissioners either in France or Scotland by and by before Bulloign or Calice and a while after at Spieres or Muscleborough and on a sudden at a Mask in Court. Neither was his Soul less pliable to persons than things as boisterously active as King Henry could expect as piously meek as King Edward could wish as warily zealous as Queen Marys times required and as piercingly observant as Queen Elizabeths perplexed occasions demanded It was by him and my Lord Bacon said of business That it was in business as it is in ways that the next and the nearest way is commonly the foulest and that if a man will go the fairest way he must go somewhat about Sitting in a Committee about invading Scotland whereof Sir Anthony Brown then Viscount Mountacute presented a Draught there arose as great a debate between him and my Lord in Council as afterwards in the Field about the point of Entrance Nay said my Lord in the heat of the Discourse with as much power on others passions as command over his own We stand quarrelling here how we shall get in but here is no discourse how we shall get out It 's a Rule Whosoever hath any thing fixed in his person that doth induce contempt hath also a perpetual spur in himself to rescue and deliver himself from scorn either by vertue or malice and my Lord having some disadvantage from Nature made it up by Art None more bold none more industrious and more successful because that disadvantage took off envy on the one hand and jealousie on the other so that upon the matter in a great Wit Contempt is a great advantage to rising Judge Brooke had a Project against Usury which came up to the Lords House this rich Peer upon the first motion of it stands â—p and saith Shew me a State without Usury and I 'll shew you a State without Men and Trade Rich he was for expence and expend he did upon honor and good action his ordinary expencâ—s were the third of his Estate and his extraoâ—dinary none of it his Rule being Extraordinary disadvantages must be balanced with extraordinary advantages He would not stoop to petty gains but he would abridge petty charges but his occasions calling him often from his Estate he turned it all to certainties often changing his Servants who being unacquainted with him and his Estate were less subtil and more timorous Much behind-hand he was when he came to the Estate and as much before when he left it Nâ—ither was he too sudden or too slow in paying his Debts equally avoiding a disadvantageous sale on the one hand and devouring interest on the other and so inuring himself by degrees into â—n habit of frugality he gained as well upon his mind as upon his Estateâ— For husbanding the English Treasure in Scotland he was Knighted in the Field May 11. 34 H. 8. by the Earl of Hertford for the Clause concerning Scotland he put in at the Treaty of Guisnes 35 H. 8. he was made Baron by Patent for his discreet Conduct in demanding the young Queen of Scots together with the performance of the Articles made in Henry the eighth's time with 60 sail of ships before the battel of Muscleburgh he had 600 l. a year assigned him by the Protector for his great experience at Sea his interest in Sea-men and his Renown among the Neighbour-States he was made Eâ—rl of Lincoln Observations on the Life of Sir Barnaby Fitz-Patrick BArnaby Fitz-Patrick had the honour of being King Edward the sixth his Proxy at School and one of his Bed-chamber at Court. In King Henry the eighth's time he was sent to School in King Edward the sixth's to travel where he had these Directions following from that King how he might learn fashions there and send intelligence hither EDWARD WE understand by your Letters received the eighth of this present month your good entertainment being glad thereof and also how you have been once to go on Pilgrimage Wherefore we think fit to advertise you to desire leave to go to Mr. Pickering or to Paris in case hereafter any such chance happen And if that will not serve to declare to some person of estimation with whom you are best acquainted that as you are loth to offend the French King by reason of his kind usage of â—ou so with safe conscience you cannot do any such thing being brought up with me and bound to obey my Laws also that you had commandment from me to the contrary Yet if you beâ—â—hemently procured you may go as waiting upon the King not as intending to the abuse nor willingly see the Ceremonies and so you look on the Mass but in the mean time regard the Scripture or some good Book and give no reverence to the Mass at all Furthermore remember when you may conveniently be absent from the Court to tarry with Sir William Pickering to be instructed by him how to use your self For Women as far forth as you can avoid their company yet if the French King command you you may sometime dance so measure be your mean else apply your self to Riding Shooting Tennis or such honest Games not forgetting sometimes when you have leisure your Learning chiefly reading of the Scriptures We would not have you live too sumptuouâ—ly as an Ambassador but so as your proportion of living may serve you we mean because we know many will resort to you and desire to serve you I told you how many I thought convenient you should keep After you have ordered your things at Paris go to the Court and learn to have more intelligence if you can and after to the Wars to learn somewhat to serve us By your Letters of the second and fifteenth of April we perceive that you were at Nancy ready to go together with Mr. Pickering to the French Camp and to the intent you might be better instructed how to use your self in these Wars we have thought good to advertise you of our pleasure therein First we would wish you as much as you may conveniently to be in the French Kings presence or at least in some part of his Army
where you shall perceive most business to be and that for two causes One is because you may have more experience in the Wars and see things as might stand you in stead another day The other is because you might be more profitable in the Language For our Embassador who may not wear Harness cannot well come to those places of danger nor seem so to serve the French King as you may whom we sent thither for that purpose It shall be best for you therefore hereafter as much as you may to be with the French Kingâ— and so you shall be more acceptable to him and do your self much good This I write not doubting but you would have done it though I had not written but to spur you on Adding withal To learn the Tongue to see the manner of the Court and advertise His Master of Occurrences keeping close to the King of France to whom he shall offer his service in the Wars where he is to observe the fortifications of the Cities the Conduct of the Armies the advantages and disadvantages of both Parties their Skirmishes Battels Assaults and the Plots of the chief Towns where any enterprizes of weight have been done His Exercises were to be Hunting and Riding his Company few but choice c. This Gentleman after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of Upper Ossory in Ireland where he dyed a good Protestant a Publick-spirited Patriot and an honest man Observations on the Life of Sir Henry fitz-Asane Earl of Arundel HIs first appearance in the World was to adorn the Court his next was to serve it First his Estate and Train attends King Henry to the Interview with France and a while afteâ— his valour and Conduct is commanded by him to the War Equally prepared is he to please and awe thaâ— Countrey The Duke of Suffolk is made General for his Popularity and the Eâ—rl of Arundel Lord Marshal for his Spirit and Prudence and both being before Bulloign this Noble Lord run up his Squadron under a running shelter about eleven at night to the very Walls of the City which being battered down by the Canon which was mounted some forty yards higher opened to the close Bâ—siegers a passage that gained the whole Town by composition Neither was he less active in Peace than War A piercing apprehension a strong memory a large and capacious judgement a dexterous prudence a discerning wisdom was the least of his happinessâ— For to his sufficiency and capacity he added a good disposition and â—ntegrity and to that vigour and gracefulness He was the excellent Personage that 1. Discerned 2. Embraced and performed what was Noble and Publick To know to will and effect what is good make up a God To these were added a strong nature a deep study and a very great Experiencâ— qualities separated in others but united in him Nature will out Education is rude Education without Resolution is loose Resolution without â—xperience is heady Experience grounded upon particulâ—r Events is uncertain without the study of General and Immoveable Principles Knowledge of things in their sourcâ—s and original causes without Nature is a Burden All these without Exercise are a Notion This Nobleman thus furnished derived much Honor from his Ancestors more to them â—nnobling that Blood to a Glory which some had debased to a Blush That great Name after four hundred years shining in that Honour with various lustre setting in him as the Sun he bore with a full splendour The last effort of Nature is a Masteâ—-piece the last blazâ— of the Candle a shine Other â—oblemen were made â—â—ing Edward's Oversâ—â—rs for thâ—ir Integrity he one of his Assistants for his Abiliâ—y When an Enemy was to be awed to a submission he was General such his Fâ—me When the Countrey was to be obliged to a loan he was Agent such his Popularityâ— Tâ—e first advanced him to the Comptrollership under Henry the â—ighth the second to the Chamberlainship under Edward the Sixth Nature hath provided that ravenous Beasts should not associate lest they should be too hard for it and Government that prime Counsellours should not agree lest they overthrow it Warwick envied the Protâ—ctors Greatness and Arundel would limit his Power both with the rest of the Council declare against him But lest he should urge the same things against Warwick that he did against Somerset they who love the Treason but hate the Traytor turn him fiâ—st out of Favour and then out of Council untill Queen Maries time when hâ— as an antient Nobleman of England that owned no upstart-designs against the old way of succession stood for her Right and as a stiff Catholique promoted her Religion So that Iuly 21. 1553. he came from the Queen to Cambridge wheâ—e the Duke of Northumberland was and entering his Chamber the Duke fell at his feeâ— desiring him for Gods sake to consider his case who had done nothing but â—y Warrant from the Council My Lord said the Eâ—rl I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you And I said the Duke obey your Arrest â—eseeching your mercy for what I did by Commission You should have thought of that sooner â—aid the Earl Here you might have seen at once the vicissitude of Fortune the frailty of Man the dejectedness of Guilt the braveâ—y of Innocence who would neither be trampled on by Greatness nor trample on misery of an equal temper between pity and resolution As long as his Youth bore itâ— we find him for Action but when years came upon him we find him in Council as with Wottâ—n at the great Treaty at Cambray Yet not so unactive but that as Sir William Pickering for hiâ— sweet Demeaner so he for his Estate was voiced an Husband to Queen Elizabeth Wâ—en the rest of the Council were for dealiâ—g with the â—ueen of Scots underhand and at distance he was for treating wiâ—h her plainlyâ— and said in the Queens presence The Wisdom of the former Age was so provident that it needed not and so plain that it endured noâ— shifts Leicester would perswade the Duke of Norfolk to court the Queen of Scots but Arundel would not hear of it without the Queen of England's consent Experience is always wary yet hath its weaknesses wherein it may be surprized For this Noblemans kindness to his Friend balancing his Duty to his Mistress brought him the Earl of South-hampton the Lords Lumley Cobham Piercy c. to a Praemuâ—ireâ— whereupon he said He is never wise that is not distrustful Fear that betrayeth the succours of Reason when predominant guardeth them when moderate and is more safe â—hâ—ugh not so Noble as that valiant confidâ—nce that bequeathâ— a dilated Freedom to all faculties and senses But of all his Actions this is most remarkeable Treating with the Scots he writ to his Majesty King Henry the Eighth what he had gained already requiring to know his farther pleasure The King takes advice with his Council who all agree that the Peace
should be concluded Whereupon the King caused his Sâ—cretary the Lord Paget to â—rite to him to that purpose but withal he called Mr. Ceâ—il secretly to him bidding him tell my Lord That wâ—atsoever he had written in his Letter yet with all speed possible he should break the Treaty Mr. Cecil replying That a message by word of mouth being contrary to his Letter would never be believed well said the King do you tell him as I bid you and leave the doing of it to his choice Upon Mr. Cecil's arrival the Earl of Arundel shewed the other Commissioners as well the Message as the Letter they are all for the Letter he said nothing but ordered that the Message should be written before and signed by his fellow-Commissioners and thereupon immediately broke up the Treaty sending Cecil wiâ—h the adverâ—isemâ—nt of iâ— to the King Who as soon as he saw him aâ—ked aloud What will he do it or no Cecil replied that his Majesâ—y might understand that by the inclosed But then the King half angry urged Nay tell me will he do it or no Being then told it was done he turned to the Lords and said Now Yoâ— will hear news The fine Treatie is broken Whereto one presently answered That he who had broke it deserved to lose his Fead to which the King straitly replied That He would lose a dozen such heads as his was that so judged rather than one such Servant as had done it â— and therewith commanded the Earl of Arundel's Pardon should be presently drawn up the which he sent with Letters of Thanks and assurance of Favour Five things must a Statesman comprehend 1. The Lâ—w. 2. The Government 3. The Time 4. The Peoplâ— And 5. The Prince Under an active Prince you must regard the Pâ—erogative under an easie one the Law under a compleat one made up of a just measure of Greatness and Goodness those two things are distinguished onely in the nice discourses of some Speculativâ— being but one great Rule in the solid actions of that Prince Observations on the Life of Sir John Dudley Duke of Northumberland HI favour was first purchased by hisâ— Fathers blood and improved by his own cunning King Henry sacrificed Sir Edmund Dudley to allay tâ—e Peoples rage and raised his Son to appease his Ghost He that disobligeth a multitude must fall himsâ—lf but he that in so doing serveth his King may advance his Posterity Something high he was in the Kings favour because standing on his fathers Grave but higâ—er as he stood on his own Merit He knew his Fathers service made his way to favour hâ—s own education therefore must prepare him for employment Favour without Parts is a reproach Parts without Favour are a burden The King restored him to his Fathers blood and his own industry recovered his Abilities There are those that under the notion of wisdome commâ—t the gâ—eatâ—st folly eiâ—her in too much conversing with the world without or in too much reâ—â—ecting on themselves within Sir Iohn was made up of both some time he allowed for Action more for Consideration There is not any thing so prejudicial to Action as to be bent upon Action without intermissionâ— for as the eye seeth noâ— the Objects touching it but those onely more remote so the understanding continually plunged in Affairs is not so quick-sighted in occurrents as his who sometime retireth himself from publiâ—k Aâ—tion beholding it aloof off by consideration In the heat and tumult of Affairs Reason hath not that power as may give conduct and motion to active life besides experience teacheth us that the eyâ— having lost its quickness wâ—th too much looking upon the light recovereth it again in the dark the spirit in like manner dazled weakned transported and distracted among the multitude and variety of Affairs ought to recollect and recover its force in the privacy of some small retreat which Sir Iohn made to Italy the seat of policy and experience whence I pray God he brought no more saith my Author than his closeness and reach His Sâ—veraign saw he deserved Honour but saw not without offence to the Populacy how to confet it until the subtle Youngster shewed him a middle way upon the strange death of the Viscount Lisle who lost his life for joy that it was saved by petitioning for that honour as a favour which upon his Mothers account was his right The crafty Youth entered himself of the Cardinals Retinue first and then of the Kings Much was he employed by him at Sea as an Overseer of the Navâ— more in the Field as Director-General most of all in the Romish and French Court as a Spy He was too good a Proficient in his School to fall wiâ—h him therefore we immediately observe him rising with Cromwel until the King made him Admiral and he with his 200â— sail upon the Coast of Scotland â—ale himself renowned insomuch that the Kinâ— left him the next year Vicâ—roy of France and Deputy of Calice and Bulloign where to revenge the French attempts upon the Isle of Wight he drew his Fleet up to the Coasts of Normandy landed 6000 men at Treport burned the Suburbs of that Town with the Abby destroyed 30 Ships there in the Haven and then returned not having lost above fourteen persons in the whole Voyage insomuch that in a Treaty between Ard and Guisnes wherein he was Commissioner with the Earl of Hertford Secretary Paget and Dr. Wâ—tton the French were contented that we held Bulloign till they paid us 800000 Crowns within the term of eight years For the further Establishment whereof he and the Bishop of Duresm are employed to take Oath of the Fâ—ench King and the Daulphine His Master Henry dieth but not his designe with him Norfolk is out of his way Seymour will be so he is now Executor of King Henry's Will he will be of his own Bâ—t as Nature so Policy works by degrees first the graft then the tree after that the blossome next that the fruit first meaner Essays and then higher Actions There was nothing to be attempted at home until we were secured and feared from abroad he therefore leads the Vanâ—guard agâ—iâ—st the Scots so successfully that he is made Earl of Warwick Hâ—re his spirit had ensnarâ—d him had not his conduct brought him off When the Protector refused a Combat as not becoming him Warwick offereth onâ— Bring me word said he to the Hâ—rald that brought the Protector a Challenge from the Lord Huntley that thy Master will perform the Combat with me and thou shalt have an hundred Crowns for thy pains But a publick Conduct becomes a General better than peâ—sonal Valour and he must so far onely remember he is a Souldier as not to forget he is a commander and so a whole Army too Against the Rebels in Devonshire so happy he was that upon his discreet Overture of Pardon Mercie is a Vertue with Valour and but a Weakness with Cowardize and coming in person to assure them
Augustine saying Tolle lege a strong fancy inclined him to fix â—n the first words he beheld v. 16. And they answered Joshua saying All that thou commandest us we will do and whithersoever thou sendest we will go A text he so wisely and warily handled that his Enemies got not so full advantage against him as they expected The next day the Duke advanced to Bury with his Army whose feet marched forward while their minds moved backward Upon the News brought him he returned to Cambridge with more sad thoughts within him than valiant Souldiers about him Then went he with the Mayor of the Town and proclaimed the Queen the Beholders whereof more believing the grief in his eyes when they let down tears than the joy professed by his hands when he threw up his Cap. Slegge Sergeant at Arms arrests him in Kingsâ— Colledge and when the Proclamation of Pardon set him at liberty the Earl of Arundel re-arrests him at whose feet he craves mercy a low posture in so high a person But what more poor and prostrate than Pride it self when reduced to extremity Behold we this Duke as the Mirrour of Humane Unhappiness As Nevil Earl of Warwick was the make-King so this Dudley Earl of Warwick was the make-Queen He was Chancellour of the Vniversity and Steward of the Town of Cambridge two Offices which never before or since met in the same person Thus as Cambridgâ— was his Vertical Poynt wherein he was in the heighth of Honour so it was his Vertical where he met with a suddain turn and a sad Catastrophe And it is remarkeable that though this Duke who by all means endeavoured to aggrand his Posterity had six sons all men all married none of them left any issue behind them Thus far better it is to found our hopâ—s of even earâ—hly happiness on Goodnâ—ss than Greatness Thus far the Historian Iâ— was Lewiâ— the elevâ—nth's Motto Pride and Presumption go before Shame and Loss follow after In three sorts of men Ambition is good 1. In a Souldier to quicken him 2. In Favourites to balance oâ—hers 3. In great States-men to undertake invidious Employments For no man will take that part except he be like a seeled Dove that mounts and mounts because he cannot see about him And in these men it 's safe if they are mean in their original harsh in their nature stirring in many little rather than in any great business Greater in his own interest than in his Followers Humility sojourneth with safety and honour Pride with Danger and unworthiness No man below an Anointed One is capable of an unlimited Power a temptation too great for Mortality whose highest Interest if indulged is Self and if checked Malice Dangerous is the Power of an aspiring Person near a Prince more dangerous his Disguise as who acts all things against his Master by his Authority Let no man upon this example ever repose so much upon any mans single Counsel Fidelity or Discretion as to create in himself or others a diffidence of his own judgement which is likely to be most faithfull and true to a mans own Interest Let every mâ—n have some things that no man shall obtain and some things that no man must dare ask because you see here if we let all go without reserve our Reputation is lost in the world by the Reputation our Favourite gains with us There was in Rome a certain man named Enatius somewhat entred in Age and of natural condition muâ—inous ambitious and troublesome Adrian being advertised that he was dead fell into a great laughter and sware That he could not but wonder he could intend to die considering what great business he had night and day Conâ—idering how many Affairs he had to manage how many cross accidents to accommodate I wonder what time he had to die And considering his many pretences for the Protestant Religion especially that for King Edward's I wonder with what face he could die a Papist But I have forgot my self for there are two sorts of persons in Machiavel â—hat must either not believe or not profess any Religion The first the States-man that acts in publick Affairs the second the Historian that writes them Observations on the Life of Sir William Peter HE was born in that great Nursery of Parts Devonshire and bred in a greater Exeter-Colledge That Colledge made him a Scholar and All-Souls a Man Hâ—s capacity was contemplative and his Genius active observing rather than reading with his eye more on men than Books studying behaviour rather than notion to be accomplished rather than knowing and not to erre in the main rather than to be excellent in circumstance His Body set off his Parts with a grave dignity of presence rather than a soft beauty of aspect His favour was more taking than his colour and his motion more than favour and all such as made his early Vices blush and his riper Vertues shine The Earl of Wilâ—shire first pitched upon him for his Sons Tutor and then for his own Companion Noble Families set off hopeful Parts and improve them Cromwel's quick eye one day at my Lord spyeth his Personage and observes his Carriage He was a man himself and understood one Nothing would satisfie him but that the young Gentlemen should come to Court and go to Travel King Henry loved any All-souls man but was enamoured with him in whom concurred the three Perquisites of that Society 1. A Gentle Extraction 2. A graceful Behaviour 3. Competent Learning The young man designed for businesse was to travel for Education and the Scholar for Experience 1. His Pension is allowed him 125 l. a year 2. His Tutor is assigned who had been there before and could instruct him what he should see where he should go what acquaintance to entertain what exercise or discipline to undergo 3. His Instructions were drawn up as 1. That he should keep a Diary of what the chiefest places and the eminent persons either apart or in Conventions yielded worthy of Remarque and Observation 2. To have before him a Map or Card of every place he goeth to 3. Not to stay long in any one place 4. To converse with no Englishmen but Agents Embassadors or such grave persons as his Majesty would direct him to 5. To endeavour after Recommendations from persons of quality in one place to those in another keeping still his correspondence with the most publick and eminent persons of every respective place Within five years he returned a compleat Gentleman correcting the Vices of one Country with the Vertues of another and being one happy Composition of every Region Sir Iohn Philpot was not so much the worse as Sir William was the better for travel He returning to the shame of all Nations of his own by his weakness abroad of others by their follies at home This coming home the honour of his own by his abilities abroad of others by his perfections at home Two things improved his travel 1. An
than they were Vertue though obscure may satisfie me it must be renowned or it câ—nnot serve otheâ—s But action is the life of things and good dispoâ—itions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue Both therefore are in their Courage regular in their Conduct observant in their Addresâ—es obliging in their Passions even in their Enjoyments severe and in their Services equal Sir Thomas Mannors first weakned the Northern Rebels by such discreeâ— Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests and then resolved to engage them but that the little Brook Dua swelled miraculously to a River bâ—tween both Armies And at the same time Sir Ralph Evers held Scarborough â— Castle where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants nor any sustenance for twenty days but bread and water For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Marches as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North. Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for his Revenue as in War for his Security Both against the Cardinal's way of raising Money which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience being veâ—y careful that their Master did not lose in the president what he gained in the money Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest here is one now renowned in this 1. For Integrity to be neither awed nor corrupted 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature neither moved with particular respects nor terminated in a private Design The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth that when one Williamson a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought a Frenchman takes them out of his handâ— saying They were no meat for Carpenters but for my Lord Embassadour who concerned himselâ— so muâ—h in the case that he had Williamson imprisoned Sir Iohn sued to the Embassadour for the man who answered That the English Knave deserved to be hanged for denying any thing to a French man Whereupon Sir Iohn replied You know not that you are in London A noâ—able reply considering that the City was up next day against Strangers in so dâ—sâ—erate a tumult that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More and none settle but Sir William Kingston and Sir Iohn Baker No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home but he with the Bishop of St. Asaph are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad I mean in Denmark though in vain when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology and ruine was more elegiable with that people than duty or obedience Where he observed these six Maximes in order to a newly conquer'd Kingdome 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguished 2. That the old Customs in Lawes and Taxes should be observed 3. The Prince must be there to observe their humours in person 4. That the Officers be moderate and honest 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the Sâ—ate 6. That the Neighbours should be weakned and divided and the In-land Forts demolished As he would have composed the troubles of forreign Princes so he served the necessities of his own being the most successfull Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey and the most active Agent for the loan in London Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer An. 1545 and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward 1547. Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will Judge Hales and Sir Iohn Baker were the onely Councellours that durst refuse it the first whereof stood to the Law against â—ower the second to his Allegiance against Interest and both to the rights of the Crown which are lasting rather than the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness and as uncertain as their Grandeur This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Lâ—yalty brought him to his Grave in peace and honour having been a faithful Councellour and Servant to King Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir William Kingstons HE was one of the greatest Courriers at Masks and Revels one of the best Captains at Sea and one of the most valiant and Skilful Commanders by Land None more pleasing to the English Ladies none more terrible to the Fâ—ench King Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majâ—sty by preâ—ending a Revolt to that King of Spain and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany His Advice had saved the Admiral at Brest and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisâ—es He was Knighted for his Service at Tournay and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at Shoreditch and if that would not do he was to command it from the Tower being Commissiâ—ner in the fiâ—st place Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second September 6. The Multitude is rather to be awed than reasoned with Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects others have divided them a third sort have obliged them others yet have kept up Plots amongst them but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves It were well if Love did it 's necessary that Fear should guide this World The King condescended one day to Just with him and he though invincible to fall by his Majesty You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing So complaisant he was that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50 and yet so grave that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished he kept his Station as one of the stayed men at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought or ill vapours as others conclude whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks the valiant Sir Edward Poynings reserved Sir Iohn Pechy and active Sir Edward Belknap died whereupon with his advice all French-men were put to their Fines and all Scotch to their ransome Neither was he onely for shew but service too leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes when Sir Everard Digby commandeth the Left the Lord Sands the Vanguard Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse Sir Richard Wink-field the Rear and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier as his underhand correspondence with the Lord Iâ—â—lstein argued him a States-man Sir Thomas Maunors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered and Sir William Kingston told His Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings
careful to maintain itâ— knowing that in vain do the brows beat the eyes sparkle the tongue threaten the fist bend and the arm strike if the belly be not fed and the back cloathed and indeed this was his Master-piece that the Queen vying Gold and Silverâ— with the King of Spain had Money or Credit when the other had neither Her Exchâ—quer saith my Author though but a Pond in comparison holding water when his River fed with a spring from the Indies was dreined dâ—y It was with his advice that that Queen paid her Obligations in Preferments rather than Money giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life In a word when others set in a Cloud he shined clear to his last He saw Essex dead Leicester slighted Mount-joy discountenanced and what with the Queens constant favour which lodged where it lighted and his own temper and moderation when more violent men failed he died as great a Favourite as he lived leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter and his son Robert so much state-Discipline as raised him successive to be Secretary of state Master of the Court of Wards Lord Treasurer and Earl of Salisbury He was a very exact and a wary Observer of Forreign Transaction witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France The rare manner of your Entertainment hath moved the Queens Majesty to muse upon what score it should be being more than hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised And for that in such things Gueses be doubtful I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds as the saying is Fortuna cum ad blaâ—ditur Capitum advenit His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted take in these words Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawfulness towards the Queen by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness yet I think he is no otherwise to be reformed than by sharp prosecution which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings as reason is Of Intelligence he writes thus I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the event About Embassadors Dispatches he saith He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business and to his Soveraign of Advice In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates he advised That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation And yet you shall so order the matter saith he to a French Ambassadour as not that you shall find fault with this manner of suffering for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador with whom you may sometime deal to understand how they do know what is done and how they do interpret it Touching the King of Scots murther he would say There are words spoken which I hold best to suppress Neither would I have you saith he to his friend utter any of these things not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches whereby there might be some ground made how to have him demanded Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis not that we think the Goveâ—nour will deliver it but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place and being not delivered the sum of 500000 It is forfeited Mrâ— Winter shall pass secretly with him to take possession thereof if they deceive our expectation but not past three of the Council know of Winteâ—s going Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes he saith If hereof the Embassador meaning the French shall make any sinister report you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable as having cause to mislike the manner of writing of the Queen thereon which neverthe less you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Secretary for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it Of the troubles in Scotland he observed the French made their present advantage to the damage of England and you know that Scotlaâ—d is the French King to it as Ireland is the Spanish Of Fâ—rraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris That hâ— would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of Frâ—nce and with whom they be married adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and degreeâ— as you shall think meet He writes That her Majesty being a Prince her self is doubtful to give countenance to subjects I wish saith he to have a Kalender of them who are with the Prince and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them and that in these troublesome times wherein accidents are so diversly reported your advices were large and repeated aâ—d that we had such Articles as pass on both sides Of France he sâ—iâ—h You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all whatsoever the end thereof shall be Of the Distractions of France thus to our Embassador in France If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world I think you mâ—ght do well and speak truly for as for the Popes Ministers their â— rofession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth and whatsoever come of any thing they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling And as for other Ministers of Princes or for men of War it is a truth infallible The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France the better they think their own Estates Of a plot discovered he writes We can truly hit no man wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence and if the matter be of truth and not a disguising to some other purpose he can as weâ—l obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty as thus to give a guise at him for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he uttered to you so may he attain to a more perfect knowledge For the Protestants he saith I pray you put them in comfort
French and constant respect from the people None more dutiful to his Soveraign than Sir Philip none more resolute against Encroachers upon Gentemen and Freemen nonâ— more dear to the whole State which when he had designed Sir Francis â—rake's second Voyage and stollen to him at Windsoâ— commanded his stay by an Eâ—rl and for his ske the whole Fleets although his stay disturbed â—nd his death destroyed his most exact Model for tâ—e Conquest of America the exactest Europe everâ—aw a Conquest not to be enterprized but by Sir Philips reaching spirit that grasped all circumstanes and commanded all interests on this side the Liâ—â— When his great Soul could not improve â—urope he considered it and made that the Fâ—eld o his meditation that could not be the stage of his â—ctions England he saw so humoursome and populâ—s that it was to be refined with War and corruâ—ed with Peace Her interest was he said to balance â—eighboâ—-Princes France he observed weak and efemâ—nate the Empire enslaved and secure the Hanses toâ— big Rome subtle and undermining Spain creâ—t to the Power and Councils of Europe the Protetant Princes enjealoused and distâ—ustful Poland divâ—â—ed Denmark strong Sweden invironed or impriâ—oned the Muscovite distressed and ignorant the Switz enemies yet servants to Monarchs a dangerous body for the soul of any aspiring Monarch to infuse designes into the Princes of Italy awed by their Sâ—periours â—nd cautious against their equals Turkie asleep in the Seraglio but Spain all this while Master of Rome and the wisest Council or Conclave in the World Lord of the Mines of America and the Sword of Europe Concluding that while the Spaniaâ—d had Peace Pope Money or Credit and the World Men Necessity or Humours the War could hardly be determined upon this Low-Country-stage And that there were but two ways to conquer Spain the one That which diverted Hannibal â—nd by setting fire on his own House made him draw his spirit to comfort his heart The other thâ—t of Iason bâ— fetching away his Golden Fleece and not suffering any one quietly to enjoy that whiâ—h every man so much affected The assistance of Portugal the surprizâ— of Cales her key and Sevil her treasure the drawing in of other Well-willers â—he command of the Sâ—a an exact Intelligence the Protection of Rochel Brest Bourdeaux or some other distressed Protestant to balance the over-mytrâ—d Countries the Encouragement of religious or ambitious Roytolets to advance and secure themseâ—ves the engaging of the French and Spaniards a League with Venice and the Maritime States some temptations to Italy to remove their French and Spanish Garrisonâ— an opportunity to recover Sicilly some insinuations to the Pope of the Austrian Greatness the setting up of the World in an AEquilibrium the invasion of America removing the disfidence oveâ—poyzing the Neutrality and working upon the Complexions of Kings and Kingdomes was this young but great mans designe An Expedition to the Indies he would perswade with these motives 1. That Honour was cheaper abroad than at home at Sea than at Land 2. That the Spanish Conquests like the Jesuites Miracles made more noise at distance than nearer hand 3. That the Indians would joyn with tâ—e first Undertaker against their cruel Masters 4. That Spain was too far for supply 5. That the Spaniard was Undisciplined and trusted more to the Greatness of his Name than to Order Policy or Strength 6. That England was poâ—ulous 7. That it was an action compliant with the present Humour and not subject to Emulaâ—ions 8. That it would either cut off the Spaâ—ish treasure or make it chargeable 9. And at last set up a free Trade by Sea open a great Door to Valour or Ambition for new Conquests and to Zeal for new Converts He said the Inquisition would overthâ—ow Spain being a designe upon Humane Nature and freedome to govern men at the rate of â—easts His great Abilities recommend him to Leicester's Cabinet whose Horse he commanded in the Field whose Council he guided at home Prudent and valiant he was in contriving and excuting the suâ—prize of Axil Liberal and Noble to his Souâ—diers at Flushing wary and deâ—pâ— sighted in his Council about Graveline wise and stayed in the jealousies between Leicester and Hollock His Patience and Resolution before Zutphen his quiet and composed spirit at Arneim his Christian and religious comportment in his sickness and death made his Fame as lasting as his Life was wished And why died he lamented by the Qâ—een mourned for by the Court bemoaned by Europe wept over by Religion and Learning the Protestant Churches celebrated by Kings and eâ—ernized by Famâ— because he was one whoâ—e Parts were improved by early Education whose Education was raised by Experience whose Experience was enlarged by Travel whose Travel was laid up in Observations whose Observations were knit up to a sâ—lid Wisdome whosâ— Wisdome was graced with his Pâ—esence and the one was as much admired by Kings as the other was by Qâ—eens One whose Learning guided Univeâ—sities whose alliance engaged Favourites whose Presence filled Courts whose Soul grasped Europe whose merit could fill a Thâ—one whose Spirit was above it It was he who was deserving and quiet neglected and patient great and familiar ingenious and devout learned and valiant sweet and solid contemplative and active It was he whom Queen Elizabeth called her Philip the Prince Orange his Master and whose friendship my Lord Brooke was so proud of that he would have no other Epitaph on his Grave than this Here lieth Sir Philip Sidneys Friend It was he whose last words were Love my memory cherish my Friends their faith to me may assure you they are honest but above all govern your will and affections by the Will and Word of your Creator In me behold the end of this world and all its vanities THey that have known thee well search thy parts Through all the chain of Arts Thy apprehension quiâ—k as active light Clear Iudgememt without Night Thy fansie free yet never wild or mâ—d with wings to fly but none to gâ—d Thy language still enrich yet comely dress Not to expose thy minde but to express They that have known thee thus sigh and confess They wish they 'd nown thee still or known the less To these the wealth and Beauties of thy minde Be other Vertues joyn'd Thy modest Soul strongly confirm'd and hardâ— Ne'er beckned from iâ—s Guard Observations on the Life of Sir Jâ—hn Perrot SIr Iohn Perrot was a goodly Genâ—â—eman and of the Sword and as he was of a vâ—ry ancient descent as an Hâ—ir to many Exstâ—acts of Gentry especially from Guy de Bâ—yâ—n oâ— Lawhern so he was of a vast Estate and came not to the Court for want And to these Adjuncts he had the Endowments of Courage and heighth of Spirit had it lighted on the allay of temper and discrâ—tion the defect whereof with a native freedome and boldness of speech drew him into a Clouded setting and laid him
open to the spleen and advantage of his Enemies He was yet a wise man and a brave Coâ—rtier but rougâ— and participaâ—ing more of active than sedentary motions as being in his Constellation destinated for Arms. He was sent Lord-Deputy into Ireland where he did the Queen very great and many Seâ—vices Being out of envy accused of High Treason and against the â—ueens will and consent condemned he died suddenly in the Tower He was Englands professed Friend and Sir Christopher Hattons professed Enemy He fell because he would stand alone In the English Court at that time he that held not by Leicesters and Burleighs favour must yield to their frowns What gâ—ound he gained in Forreign merits as the Sea he lost in Domestick Interests The most deserving Râ—cessâ—s and serviceable absence from Courts is incompatible with the way of interest and favour Hiâ— boysterous carriage rather removed than preferred him to Ireland where he was to his cost what he would have been to his advantage chief in Command and first in Counciâ— His spirit was too great to be ruled and his Interest too little to sway He was so like a Son of Henry the eighth that he would not be Qâ—ueen Elizabeths suâ—jâ—ct but Hattons sly smoothness undermined his opâ—n roughness the one dancing at Court with more success than the other fought in Ireland He was born to enjoy rather thâ—n make a Fortune and to command rather then stoop for respect Boldness indeed is as necessary for a Souldier as the Action for an Orator and is a prevailing quality over weak men at all times and wise men at their weak times yet it begins well but continueth not closing always with the wiser sorts scorns and the vulgars â—aughter Sir Iohn Perrot was better at Counsel than Complement and better at Execution than Counsel None woâ—se to command first on his own head none better to be second and under the direction of others He could not advise because he looked not round on his dangers he could not execute because he saw them not His alliance to his Soveraign commended him at first to her favour and gave him up at last to her jâ—alousie being too near to be modest and too bold to be trusted and the more service he performed he was thereby onely the more dangerous and withal unhappy his Successes onely puffing up his humor and his Victories ripening his ambition to those fatal Sallies against the Qâ—eens honour and Government that had cost him his life had he not saved it with those very Rants he lost himself by for when he had out of an innocent confidence of his cause and a haughty conceit of hiâ— Extraction exasperated his Noble Jâ—ry to his Condemnation he had no more to say for himself than Gods death will the Queen suâ—ser her Brother to be offered up as a sacrifice to the envy of my frisking Adversaries On which words the Queen refused to sign the Warrant for his Eâ—ecution though pressed to it from Reason and Interest saying They were all Knaves that condemned him It 's observed of him that the Surplusage of his services in Ireland abaâ—ed the merit of â—hem and that it was his oversight to have done too much there His morâ—al words were those in the grear Chamber of Dublin when the Qâ—een sent him some respectful Letters after her Expostulatory ones with an intimation of the Spaniards Design Lo now saith he she is ready to piss her self for fear of the Spaniard I am again one of her white Boys A great Birth and a great Minde aâ—e câ—ushed in Commonwealths and waâ—ched in Kâ—ngâ—omes They who are to tall too stand too stubâ—orn to bow are but too fit to break Râ—ssling Spirits â—aise â—hemselves at the settlement of Governmâ—nts but fall after iâ— being but unruly Wavâ—s to a stâ—ady Rock breaking themsâ—lves on that solid Constitution they would break Few aimed at Favourites as Sir Iohn did at the Lord Chancâ—llor but their Arrows fell on their own heads Soveraignty being alwayes struck through prime Councellours and Majesty through its chief Ministeâ—s Sir Iohn Perrot no sooner claâ—hed with Hatton â—han he lost the Queenâ— and ever since he reflected on his Dancing he lost his own footing and never stood on his legs Observations on the life of Sir Francis Walsingham HE was a Gentleman at first of a good houseâ— but of a better Education and from the University travelled for the rest of his Learning He was the bâ—st Linguist of the times but knew best how to use his own tongue whereby he came to be employed in the chiefâ—st Affairs of State He was sent Ambassadour into France and stayed there a Leiger long in the heat of the Civil Wars At his return he was taken Principal Secretary and was one of the great â—nginâ—s of State and of the times high in the Queens favour and a watchful servant over the â—afety of his Mistress He â—cted the same part in the Courts of France aboâ—â— that Match that Gundamor if I be not mistaken saith Sir Robert Naunton did in the Court of England about the Spanish His apprehension waâ— quick and his Judgement solid his â—ead was so strong that he could look into the depth of men and business and dive into the Whirlpools of State Dexterous he was in finding a secret close in keeping it Much he had got by Study more by Travelâ— which enlarged and actuated his thoughts Ceciâ— bred him his Agent as he bred hundreds Hiâ— Converse was insinuating and reseâ—ved He saw every man and none saw him His spirit was aâ— publick as his parts and it was his fiâ—st Maxime Knowledge is never too dear yet as Debonnair as he was prudent and as obliging to the soâ—ter but prâ—â—dominant parâ—s of the woâ—lâ— as he was serviceable to the moâ—e severe and no less Dexterous to work on humouâ—s than to convince Reason He would say he must obseâ—ve the joynts and flexures of Affairs and so could do more with a Story than others could with a Harangue He always surprized business and preferred motions in the heaâ— of other diversions and if he must debate it he would hear all and with the advantage of aforegoing speeches that either cautioned or confirmed his resolutions he carried all before him in conclusion beyond reply He oâ—t-did the Jesuites in their own bowe and over-reached them in their own equivocation and mental reservationâ— never setling a Lye but warily drawing out and discovering truth As the close Room sucketh in most Air â—o this wary man got most intelligence being most of our Papists Confessour before their death as they had been their Brethrens before their Treason He said what another writ That an habit of secrecy is policy and vertue To him mens faces spake as much as their tongues and their countenances were Indexes of their hearts He would so beset men with Questions and draw them on and pick it out of them by piece-meals that they discovered themselves whether
they answered or were silent This Spanish Proverb was familiar with him Tell a Lye and find a Truth and this Speak no more than you may safely retreat from without danger or fairly go through with without opposition Some are good onely at some affairs in their own acquaintance Walsingham was ready every where and could make a party in Rome as well as England He waited on mens souls with his eye discerning their secret hearts through their transparent faces He served himâ—elf of the Factions as his Mistress did neither advancing the one nor depressing the other Familiar with Cecil allied to Leicester and an Oracle to Sussex He could overthrow any matter by undertaking it and move it so as it must fall He never broke any business yet carried many He could discourse any matter wiâ—h them that most opposed so that they in opposing it promoted it His fetches and compass to his designed speech were things of great patience and use Twice did he deceive the French as Agent once did he settle the Netherlands as Commissioner and twice did he alter the Government of Scotland as Embassadour Once did France desire he might be recalled because he was too hard for the Counsel for the Hugonots and once did Scotland request his remand because he would have overturned their Constitution 53 Agents did he maintain in Forreign Courts and 18 Spies for two Pistols an Order he had all the private Papers of Europe few Letters escaped his hands whose Contents he could read and not touch the Sealâ— Bellarmine read his Lectures at Rome one moneth and Reynolds hadâ— them confute that next So patient was this wise man Chiselhurst never saw him angry Cambridge nâ—ver passionate and the Court never discomposed Religion was the interest of his Countrey in his judgement and of his Soul therefore he maintained it as sincerely as he lived it it had his head his purse and his heart He laid the great foundaâ—ion of the Protestant Constitution as to its policyâ— and the main plot against the Polish as to its ruine â—e would cherish a plot some years together admitting the Conspirators to his own and the Queens â—â—eâ—ence familiarly but dogging them out watchâ—â—â—â—y his Spiâ—s waited on some men every hour for â—â—â—ee yeaâ—s and leâ—t they could not keep counsel 〈◊〉 dispatched them to forraign parts taking in new Sâ—â—vantsâ— Hâ—s trainâ—ng Parry of who dâ—signed 〈…〉 of Queen Elizabeth the admitting of hiâ— under the pâ—etence of discovering a Plot to the Qâ—eens presence and then letting him go where he would onely on the security of a Dark Sentinel set over him was â— piece of reach and haâ—ard beyond common apprehension But Kingdomes were acted by him as well as private persons It is a likely report saith one that they father on him at his return â—â—om France when the Queen expressed her 〈◊〉 of the â—panish designe on that Kingdome with 〈◊〉 â—â—cernment Madam saith he be content not 〈…〉 the Spaniard hath a great appetite and an 〈…〉 digestion but I have fitted him with a bone for this twenty years that your Majesty shall have no cause to doubt him Prâ—vided that if the fire chance to slack which I have kindled you will be ruled by me and now and then cast in some English fuel which may revive the flame Hâ—â—irst observed the gâ—eat Bishop of Winchester fit to serve the Church upon the unlikely Youths first Sermon at Sâ—â— Alhallows Barking He brought my Lord Cooke first to the Church upon some private discourse with him at his Table The Queen of Scots Letters were all carried to him by her own Servant whom she trusted and decyphered to him by one Philips as they were sealed again by one Gregory so that neither that Queen or her correspondents ever perceived either the Seal defaced or the Letters delayed to her dying day Video Taceo was his saying before it was his Mistresses Motto Hâ— could as well â—it King Iames his humour with sayings out of Xenophon Thucydides Plutarch Tacitus as he could King Henry's with Rablais's conceits and the Hollander with mechanick Discourses In a word Sir Francis Walsingham was a studious and temperate man so publick-spirited that he spent his Estate to serve the Kingdome so faithful that â—e bestowed his years on his Queen so learned that he provided a Library for Kings Colledge of his own Books which was the best for Policy as Cecil's was for History Arundels for Heraldry Cottons for Antiquity and Vshers for Divinity finally he â—qualled all the Statesmen former ages discourse of and hardly hath been equalled by any in following Ageâ— Observations on the Life of the Earl of Leicester THe Lord Leicester was the youngest son then living of Dudley Duke of Northumberland he was also one of the first to whom Queen Elizabeth gave that honour to be master of the horse He was a very goodly person and singular well featured and all his youth well favoured and of a sweet aspect but high foreheaded which was taken to be of no discommendation but towards his latter end grew high-coloured and red-faced The Queen made him Earl of Leicester for the sufferings of his Ancestors sake both in her Fathers and Sisters Reigns The Earl of Essex his death in Ireland and the marriage of his Lady yet living deeply stains his commendation But in the Observations of his Letters and Writings there was not known a Stile or Phrase more religious and fuller of the streams of Devotion He was sent Governour by the Queen to the United States of Holland where we read not of his wonders for they say Mercury not Mars in him had the predominancy To the Policy he had from Northumberland his Father and the Publican Dudley his Grandfather he added it is said Magick and Astrology and to his converse with Wise men his familiarity with Wizards Indeed he would say A States-man should be ignorant of nothing but should have all notices either within his own or his Confidents command His Brother Ambrose was the heir to the Estate and he to the Wisdome of that Family He was the most reserved man of that Age that saw all and was invisible carrying a depth not to be faâ—homed but by the Searcher of Hearts Many fell in his time who saw not the hand that pulled them down and as many died that knew not their own Disease He trusted not his Familiars above a twelve-month together but either transported them for Forreign services or wafted them to another world His Ambition was of a large extent and his head-piece of a larger Great was his Influence on England greater on Scotland and greatest of all on Ireland and the Netherlands where this close Genius acted invisibly beyond the reach of friends or the apprehension of enemies Declining an immediate opposition in Court-factions the wary Sir raised always young Favourites to outshine the old ones so balancing all others that he might be Paramount himself The modern policy and practices were
but shallow to his who by promoting the Queens match could hinder it who could decoy Hunsdon to Berwick Pembroke to Wales Sidney to Ireland while what with his great Train what with his growing Popularity he was called the Heart of the Court. To make his Basis equal to his heighth he enlarged and strengthened his Interest by Alliance with the chief Nobility to whom he was related By his Patronage of Learning over which he was Chancellourâ— by kindness to the Clergy whose head he seemed to be by his command over all men whom either his favours had won or his frowns awed every body being either within the Obligation of his Courâ—esies or the reach of his Injuries He advised some complyance with Philip of Spain for the match he proposed while by degrees he altered Religion so as it must be impossible designing Queen Elizabeth for his own Bed while she made his way to the Queen of Scots whose reâ—usal of him he made as fatal to her as his marriage would have been advantageous The Queen of England promising to declare her next heir to the Crown of England in case she failed of Issue upon that match Leicester trepans Norfolk to treat a match with the Scotch Queen and her to accept it to both their ruine both being engagâ—d in such foolish Enterprizes by their enemies practices as made Leicester able in the head of a new Association in the Queens defence to take off Norfolk and his Ladies head He was always beforehand with his Designes being a declared enemy to After-games His Interest was Popery until my Lord North put him upon Puritanism but his Religion neither he promoted the French and Polish match at Court and disparaged them in the Country When Cardinal Chatiâ—â—ian advertized her Majesty how Leicester drave Royal Suiters from her Court he was sent to another World He that would not hold by his favour must fall by his frown Archbishop Grindal not excepted His hand bestowed all favours and his brows all frowns the whose Court was at his Devotion and half the Council at his beck Her Majesty suspected but durst not remove him His Intelligence was good in Scotland better in Ireland best in Spain The Country was governed by his Allies and the Court by himself The Tower was in his servants hands London under his Creatures Government and the Law managed by his Confidents His treasure was vast his gains unaccountable all passages to preferment being in his hand at home and abroad He was never reconciled to her Majesty under 5000 l. nor to any Subject under 500 l. and was ever and â—non out with both All Monopolies are his who commanded most mens Purses and all mens Parts A man was oppressed if he complyed with him and undone if he opposed him In a word his designe was thought a Crown his Parts too large for a Subject his Interest too great for a Servant his depth not fathomable in those days and his Policy not reached in these Observations on the Life of Christopher Lord Hatton SIr Christopher Hatton was a Gentleman who for his activity and Person was taken into the Quâ—ens favour He was first made Vice-Chamberlain and shortly after advanced to the place of Lord Chancellourâ— A Gentleman that besides the Graces of his Person and Dancing had also the Adjectments of a strong and subtile câ—pacity one that could soon learn the Discipline and Garb both of Times and Court The truth is he had a large proportion of Gifts and Endowments but too much of the season of Envy As he came so he continued in the Court in a mask An honest man he was but reserved Sir Iohn Perrâ—t talked and Sir Christopher Haâ—ton thought His features set off his body his gate his features his carriage his gate his parts his carriage his prudence his parts and his close patience his prudence The Queen loved him well for his activity better for his parts best of all for his abilities which were as much above his experience as that was above his learning and that above his education The little the wary man did was so exactly just and discreet and the little he said was so prudent and weighty that he was chosen to keep the Queens Conscience as her Chancellour and to express her sense as her Speaker the Courtiers that envied the last capacity were by his power forced to confess their errours and the Sergeants that would not plead before him in the first by his prudence to confess his abilities The Chancellourship was above his Law but not his Parts so pregnant and comprehensive that he could command other mens knowledge to as good purpose as his own Such his humility that he did nothing without two Lawyers such his ability that the Queen did nothing without him Two things he said he wâ—s jealous of his Mistresses the Queens Prerogatives and his Mother the Churches Discipline the one that Majesty might be at liberty to do as much good and the other that Iniquity might not be free to as much evil as it pleased His enemies advanced him that they might weaken him at Court by his absence and kill him at home by a sedentariness This even and clear man observed and improved their practices closing with Malice it self to his own advancement and tempering the most perverse enmity to the greatest kindness His â—irst Preferment at Court was to be one of the fifty Pensioners whence his modest sweetness of Manners advanced him to the Privy Chamber where he had not been long but his face and tongue which most eloquent which most powerful was in those days a question made him Captain of the Guardâ— his presence and service Vice-Chamberlain and his great improvement under my my Lord Burleigh placed him in that grave Assembly the wisest Convention in Europe at that time the Privy-Council where he had not sate long when his enemies as well as his friends made him Chancellour and Knight of the Garter the one to raise him and the other by that rise to ruine him The Eagle-eyed men of those times carried up on high the Cockleshel they had a mind to crack A man of a pious Nature very charitable to the Poor very tender of dissenting Judgements saying That neither searing nor cutting was to be used in the cause of Religion very bountiful to Scholars who chose him Chancellour at Oxford very exact in his Place whence he went off though not with the applause of a great Lawyer to split Causes yet with the Conscience and comfort of a just man to do equity Take his Character from his own words those words that prevailed with the Queen of Scots to appear before the Commissioners at Fotheringaz when neither Queen Elizabeths Commission nor the Lord Chancellours Reason nor the Power of the Kingdome could perswade that good Lady to it The words are these You are accused but not condemned You say you are a Queen be it so if you are innocent you wrong your Reputation
sworn of her Majesties Privy-Council for Ireland and Chancellour of the Exchequer therein Now his grateful soul coursing about how to answer the Queens favour laid it self wholly out in her service wherein two of his Actions were most remarkable First he was highly instrumental in modelling the Kingdome of Ireland into shires as now they are shewing himself so great a lover of the polity under which he was born that he advanced the Compliance therewith as commendable and necessary in the Dominions annexed thereunto His second service was when many in that Kingdome shrowded themselves from the Laws under the Target of power making Force their Tutelary Saint he set himself vigorously to suppress them And when many of the Privy-Council terrified with the greatness of the Earl of Desmond durst not subscribe the Instrument wherein he was proclaimed Traytor Sir Edward amongst some others boldly signed the same disavowing his and all Treasons against his Friâ—nds and Country and the Council did the like commanding the publication thereof As to his private sphear God blessed him being but a third Brother above his other Brethren Now though he had three Wives the first a Villiers the second a Spilman the third the Widow of Herlakenden of Wood-church in Kent Esquire and though he had so strong a brain and body yet he lived and died childless intercommoning therein with many Worthies who are according to AElius Spartianuâ— either improlâ—fick or have children in Genitorum Vituperium famarum Laesuram God thus denying him the pleasure of posterity he craved leave of the Queen to retire himself and fixed the residue of his life at Wood-church in Kent living there in great Honour and Repute as one who had no designe to be popular and not prudent rich and not honest great and not good He died in thâ— 56 year of his Age the 13 of October 1591. and is buried at Wood-church under a Table-marble monument erected to his memory by his sorrowful Lady surviving him Observations on the Life of the Duke of Norfolk â— HIs Predecessors made more noyse it may be but he had the greater fame their Greatness was feared his Goodness was loved He was heir to his Uncles Ingenuity and his Fathers Valour and from both derived as well the Laurel as the Coronet His God and his Soveraign were not more taken with the ancient simplicity that lodged in his plain breast than the people were endeared by that noble humility that dwelt in his plainer cloaths and caâ—riage The most honourable Peâ—sonages like the mâ—st honourable Coats of Arms are least gaudy In the Election of the first Parliament of Queâ—n Elizabeth and as a consequent to that in the settlement of the Kingdome Sir William Cecils Wisdome did much the Earl of Arundels Industry more but the Dâ—ke of Norfolks Popularity did mâ—st Neveâ— Peer more dread never more dear as he could engage the people to comply with their Soveraign at home so he could lead them to serve her abroad That martial but unforâ—unate Gentleman VVilliam Lord Grey draweth first towards Scotland for the first Cloud that would have daâ—kâ—ned our glorious star came from the North VVhence all evil is equally our Proverb and our experience as Warden of the middle and East mâ—â—ches but he is seconded by the Duke as Lieutenanâ—-General of the North-parts where his presence commands a Treaty and his Authority a League Offensive and Defensive to balance the French Interest to reduce the North parts of Ireland and keep the peace of both Kingdomeâ— Now as the watchful Duke discovered by some private Passages and Letters that Scotland was to be invaded by the French so he writ to his Soveraign That notwithstanding the Spanish and French Embassadors Overtures â—he would proceed resolutely in her preparations for Scotland as she did under his Conduct until the young Queâ—n was glad to submit and the King of France by Cecil and Throgmortons means now bâ—sied at home to come to terms He brought the Kingdome to musters the People to ply husbandry the nobility to keep Armories and the Justicers to Salaries The Ensignes of St. Michael were bestowed upon him as the Noblest and on Leicester as the dearest person at Court Nâ—w Arundel who had spent his own Estate in hope of the Queens under pretence of recovering his health travelled abroad to mitigate his grief When the Earls of Pembroke and Leicester were openly for the Queens marriage for the future security of our present happiness the Duke though privately of their minde yet would discourse 1. That Successors take off the peoples eyes from the present Soveraign 2. That it was the safest way to kâ—ep all Competitors in suspence 3. That Successors though not designed may succeed 4. Whereas when known they have been uâ—done by the Arts of their Competitors 5. And that most men whatever the busie Agitators of the Succession pretended have no more feeling in publick matters than concerneth their own pâ—ivate interest But he had a pâ—ivate kindness for â—he Qâ—een of Scots which he discovered in all the Treaties wherein she was concerned 1. In Lovâ—-Letters to her notwithstanding that Queen Elizabeth bid him take care what pillow he rested his head on 2. In his meditations at Court so importune for her that the Queen would say The Queen of Scots shall never want an Advocate while Norfolk lives And 3. By some private transaction with the Pope and Spaniard to which Leicesters craft trepanned him against his friend Cecils advice which in a dangerous juncture cost him his life For the people wishing for the securiâ—y of the succession in a Protestant and an Eâ—glish hand that the good Duke were married to the mother and his onely Daughter to her young Son subtile Leicester and Throgmorton laid a Train for the plain man by Confâ—rences with Murray Cecil c. until a Plot was discovered and the Duke notwithstanding Cecils advice to marry a privaâ—e Lady retiring to Norfolk to finish the Maâ—ch with the Queen was upon Letters taken with Rosse surprized and committed to the Tower he saying I am betrayed and undone by mine own whilst I knew not how to mistrust which is the strength of wisdom After a solemn Tryal he is beheaded for Indiscretions rather than Treasons losing his head because he wanted one Never any fell more beloved or more pitied such his singular Courtesie such his magnificent Bounty not unbecoming so great a Peer High was his Nobility large his Interest singularly good his Nature comely his Person manly his Countenance who saith Cambden might have been a great strength and Ornament to his Country had not the cunning practices of his malicious Adversaries and slippery hopes under colour of publick good diverted it from his first course of life His death was a blot to some mens Justice to all mens Discretion that were concerned in it as generally odious though quietly enduredâ— which proves saith one That the common people are like Rivers which seldome grow
daintyâ— that cost him less and contented his guests more His Table constant and even where all were welcome and none invited 3. His Hall was full most commonly his Gates always the one with the honest Gentry and Yeomen who were his Retainers in love and observance bringing good stomacks to his Table and resolved hearts for his service the holding up of his hand in the Northern business being as affectual as the displaying of a Banner The other with the 1. Aged 2. Maimed 3. Industrious Poor whose craving was prevented with doles and expectation with bounty the first being provided with meat the second with money and the third with employment In a word Mr. Cambden observes That Hospitality lieth buried since 1572 in this Earls Grave whence may that Divine Power raise it that shall raise him but before the last Resurrâ—ction when there will be plenty to bestow in one part of the world and no poor to be relieved poverty in the other and no bounty to relieve Neither was he munificent upon other mens charge for once a moneth he looked into his Incomeâ— and once a weak to his Disbursements that none should wrong him or be wronged by him The Earl of Derby he would say shall keep his own House wherefore it 's an Observation of him and the second Duke of Norfolk That when they were buried not a Trades-man could demand the payment of a Groat that they owed him nor a Neighbour the restitution of a peny they had wronged him They say The Grass groweth not where the Grand Seigniors Horse treads nor doth the People thrive where the Noble-men inhabitâ— But here every Tenant was a Gentleman and every Gentleman my Lords Companion such his Civility cowards the one and great penny worths to the other Noblemen in those days esteemed the love of their Neighbours more than their fear and the service and fealty of their Tenants more than their money Now the Landlord hath the sweat of the Tenants brow in his Coffers then he had the best blood in his Veins at his command That grand word On mine Honour was security enough for a Kingdome and the onely Asseveration he used It was his priviledge that he need not swear for a testimony and his renown that he would not for his honour Great was this Families esteem with the people and eminent their favour with their Soveraigns as which ever bestowed it self in obliging their Liege-people improving their interest and supporting their Throne for though they were a long time great Kings of Man and Hearts yet were they as long faithfull subjects to England Observations on the Life of Sir William Fiâ—z-Williams A Childe of Fortune from his Cradle made uâ— of confidence and reputation never unwarily shewing his Vertue or Worth to the world with any disadvantage When Britain had as little sleepiness and sloath as night when it was all day and all activity He as all young Sparks of that Age trailed a Pike in the Netherlands the Seminary of the English Soldiery and the School of Europes Discipline as a Souldier and travelled as a Gentleman until that place graced him civilly with a Command which he had honoured eminently with his service His friends checked him for undertaking an Employment so boysterous and he replyed upon them That it was as necessary as it seemed irregular for if some were not Souldiers all must be so He said He never durst venture on War with men till he had made his Peace with God A good Conscience breeds great Resolutions and the innocent Soul is impregnable None more fearful of doing evil none more resolved to suffer there being no hardship that he would avoid no undecency that he would allow Strict he was to his Commission and yet observant of his advantage never tempting a danger never flying it careful of his first life and himself but more of his other and his name When the methods of Obedience advanced him to the honour of commanding six things he was Chronicled for 1. Never making the Aged the Young or the Weak the Objects of his Rage which could not be so of his Fear 2. That he never basely killed in cold blood them that had nobly escaped his Sword in hot 3. That he never led the Souldiers without pâ—y or quartered in the Country without money 4. That though he was second to none that acted in War such his Valour yet he was the first that spake for Peace such his sweet Disposition 5. That he would never suffer that a Clergy-man should be abused a Church violated or the Dead be unburied 6. That he would never force an Enemy to a necessity always saying Let us disarm them of their best Weapons Despair nor fight an Enemy before he had skirmished him nor undertake a designe before he consulted his God his Council his Friends his Map and his History His own Abilities commended and his alliance with Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy whose Sister he married promoted him to the government of Ireland Once did the Queen send him thither for his Brothers sake four times more for his own sake a sufficient evidence saith my Friend of his Ability and Integrity since Princes never trust twice where they are once deceived in a Minister of State He kept up his Mistressâ—s Interest and she his Authority enjoying the Earl of Essex so much above him in honour to truckle under him in Commission when Governour of vlster and he Lord Deputy of Ireland Defend me said Luther to the Duke of Saxony with your Sword and I will defend you with my Pen. Maintain my Power saith the Minister of State to his Soveraign and I will support your Majesty Two things he did for the settlement of that Kingdome 1. He raised a Composition in Munster 2. He established the Possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan Severe he was always against the Spanish Faction but very vigilant in 88 when the dispersed Armado did look but durst not land in Ireland except driven by Tempest and then finding the shore worse than the Sea But Leicester dieth and he fails when his Sun was set it was presently night with him Yra la soga con el Calderon where goeth the Bucket there goeth the Rope where the Principal miscarrieth all the Dependants fall with him as our râ—nowned Knight who died where he was born there is a Circulation of all things to their Original at Milton in Northamptonshire 1594. Observations on the Life of the Earl of Pembroke AN excellent man and one that fashioned his own Fortune His Disposition got favour and his Prudence wealth the first to grace the second and the second to support the first under King Henry the eighth whose Brother-in-law he was by his wife and Chamberlain by his place When others were distracted with Factions in King Edwards Reign he was intent upon his Interest leaning as he said on both sides the stairs to get up for his service being promoted to the master
others as in nature he doth not fit the frame of things to the ugly nature of Monsters but the irregular shape of Monsters to the beauty of things being of opinion thaâ— we should thank our Governour as the AEthiopian flaves do their Emperour when they are slashed and we should God when we are corrected for thinking of us and having a care of us universal as that God hath of the world whom they represent Rulers within their dominions having much of the Character that God hath in the universe viz. That he is a Circle whose center is every where and Circumference no where Observations on the Life of Sir William Drury SIr William Drury was born in Suffolk where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearl to which he answered in the pretiousness of his disposition clear and heard innocent and valiant and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen and Country His youth was spent in the French Wars his middleâ— Age in Scotland and his old Age in Ireland He was Knight-Marshal of Barwick at what time the French had pâ—ssâ—ssed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh in the minority of King James Queen Elizabeâ—h employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle which service he right worthily performed reducing it within few days to the owner thereof Anno 1575. he was appointed Lord President of Munster whither he went with competent Forces and executed impartial Iustice in despight of the opposers thereof For as the Signe of Leo immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack so I hope not that Innocency will 〈◊〉 protected or Iustice administred in a barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry as a Palatinate peculiarly appropriated unto himself Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England Chester Lancaster Durham and Ely whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in the Crown there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland possâ—ssed by their respective Dynasts claiming Regal Rights therein to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdome Amongst these saith my Author Kerry became the Sanctuary of Sin and Refuge of Rebels as outlawed from any Iurisdiction Sir William no whit terrified with the Earls threatning and declaring that no place should be a priviledge to mischief entred Kerry with a competent Train and there dispenced Iustice to all persons as occasion did require Thus with seven-score men he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls who sought to surprize him In the last year of his Life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland and no doubt had performed much in his place if not afflicted with constant sickness the forerunner of his death at Waterford 1598. He was one of that Military Valour which the Lord Verulam wisheth about a Prince in troublesome times that held a good esteem with the Populacy and an exact correspondence with the noble whereby he united himself to each side by endearments and divided them by distrust watching the slow motions of the people that they should not be excited and spirited by the nobility and the ambition of the Great Ones that it should not be befriended with the turbulency or strengthened with the assistance of the Commonalty One great Act well followed did his business with the natives whom he sometimes indulged giving their Discontents liberty to evaporate and with the strangers whom he always awed In those that were commended to his service he observed two things 1. That they were not advanced for their dependence because they promote a Party which he noted to be the first ground of Recommendaâ—ion 2. Nor for their weakness because they cannot hinder it which he remarked to be the second Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Smith SIr Thomas Smith was born at Saffroâ—-Walden in Essex and bâ—ed in Queens Colledge in Cambridge where such his proficiency in Learning that he was chosen out by Henry the eighth to be sent over and to be brought up beyond the Seas It was fashionable in that Age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State to be Merchants for experience in Forreign Parts whence returning home with their gainful Adventurers they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to Offices in their own Country Well it were if this good old Custome were resumed for if where God hath given five talents men would give but pounds I mean encourage hopeful Abilities with hopeful maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great Parts would not be excluded the Line of Prefermenâ— This Sir Thomas was first Servant and Favourite to the Duke of Somerset and afterwards Secretary of State to Qâ—een Elizabeth and a grand Benefactor to both Universities Anno 1577 when that excellent Act passedâ— whereby it was provided That a third part of the Rent upon Leases made by Colledges should be reserved in Corn paying it either in kâ—nd or in money after the rate of the best prices in Oxford or Cambridge markets the next Market-days before Michaelmas or our Lady-dayâ— For the passing of this Act Sir Thomas Sâ—ith â—urprized the House and whereas many conceived not the difference between the payment of Rents in Corn or money the knowing Patriot took the advantage of the presenâ— cheap year knowing that hereaftâ—r Grain would grow dearer Mankinde dayly multiplying and License being lately given for Transportation so that now when the Universities have least Corn they have most Bread What his foresight did now for the Universiâ—y his reach did the first year of Q. Eliz. for the Kingdome for the first sitting of her Councel he advised twelve most important things for the publick safety 1. That the Ports should be shuâ— 2. That the Tower of London should be secured good hands 3. That the Deputy of Ireland's Commiâ—â—â—on should be renewed and enlarged 4. That all Officers should act 5. That no new Office should be bestowed in a moneth 6. Thâ—t Ministers should meddle with no Controversies 7. That Embassadors should be sent to Forreign Princes 8. That no Coyn should be transported beyond Sea 9. That no person of quality should travel for six weeks 10. That the Traiâ—-bands should be mustered 11. That Ireland the Borders and the Seas should be provided for 12. And that the dissenting Nobility and Clergy should be waâ—ched and secured Adding withal a Paper for the Reading of the Epistle the Gospel and the Commandments in the English tongue to encouragâ— the Protestants expectation and allay the Papists fear In the same Proclamation that he drew up the Sacrament of the Altar was to be reverencâ—d and yet the Communion to be administred in both kinds He advised a Disputation with the Papists one day knowing that they could not dispute without
by him his Map and his Guide the first whereof discovered to him his more obvious advantages and the second his more close dangers His great Conduct won hâ—m much esteem with those that heard of him and his greater presence more with those that â—aw him Oâ—servable his Civility to Strangers eminent his Bounty to his Followers obliging his Carriage in the Countries he marched through and expeâ—t his Skill in Wars whose end he said was Victory and the end of Victory Nobleness made up of pity and munificence It lost him his estate to redeem himself in France and his life to bear up hiâ— Râ—putation in Berwick Hâ—ving lived to all the great purposes of life but Self-interest he died 1563 that fatal year no less to the publick sorâ—ow of England which he secured than the common joy of Scotland which he awed Then it was said That the same day died the greatest Scholar and the greatest Souldier of the Nobility the right honourable Henry Mannors Eâ—rl of Rutland in his Gown and the honourable Lord Grey in his Armour both as the Qâ—een said of them Worthies that had deserved well of the Commonwealth by their Wisdome Councel Integrity and Courage Two things my Lord always avoided the first To give many Reasons for one thing the heaping of Arguments arguing a neediness in every of the Arguments by its selâ— as if one did not trust any â—f them buâ— fled from one to aâ—oâ—her helping himself still wiâ—h the last The second To breâ—k a nâ—goâ—iation to too many distinct particulâ—rs or to couch it in too compact generals by the first whereof we give the parties we dâ—al with an opportunity to look down to the bottom of our business and by the second to look round to the compass of it Happy are those Souls that command themselves so far that they are equally free to full and half discoveries of themselves always ready and pliable to the present occasion Not much regarded was this gallant spirit when alive but much mâ—ssed when dead we understand what we want better than what we enjoy and the beauty of worthy things is not in the face but the back-side endearing more by their departure than their address Observations on the Life of Edmund Plowden EDmund Plowden was born at Plowden in Shropshire one who â—xcellently deseâ—ved of our Municipal Law in hâ—s learned Writings thereon A plodding and a studious man and no wonder if knowing and able Beams in reflexion are hottest and the Soul becomes wise by looking into its self But see the man in his Epitaph â— Conditur in hoc Tumulo corpus Edmundi Plowden Armigeri Claris ortus Parentibus apud Plowden in Comitatu Salop natus est à pueritia in literarum Studio liberaliter â—st educatus in Provectiore vero aetate Legibus Iurisprudentiae operam dedit Senex jam factus annum aetatis suae agens 67. Mundo Valedicens in Christo Iesu Sancte obdormivit die Sexto Mensis Februar Anno Domini 1585. I have the rather inserted this Epitaph inscribed on his Monument on the North-side of the East-end of the Quire of semple-Church in London because it â—ath â—â—capeâ— but by what câ—sualty I cannot conjecture Masteâ— Stow in his Survey of London We must adde a few words out of the Character Mr. Cambden gives of him Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundum As he was singularly well learned in the Common laws of England whereof he deserved well by wriâ—ing so for integrity of life he was second to none oâ— his profession And how excellent a mâ—dley is made when Honesty and Ability meet in a man of his profession Nor must we forget how he was Tâ—easurer for the honourable Society of the middle-Temple Anno 1572 when their magnificâ—nt Hall was builded he being a great advancer thereof Finding the Coyn embased by Henry the eighth so many ways prejudicial to this State as that which first dishonoured us abroad secondly gave way to the frauds of Coyners at home who exchanged the best Commodities of the land for base moneys and exported the current moneys into Forreign parts and thirdly enhansed the prizes of all things vendible to the great loss of all Stipendiaries He offered 1â— That no man should melt any Metal or export it 2. That the Brass money should be reduced to its just value 3. That it should be bought for good by which silent and just methods that defect of our Government for many years was remedied in few moneths without any noise or what is proper to alterations of this nature discontent The middle Region of the Air is coolest as most distant from the direct beams that warm the highest and the reflexed that heat the lowest the mean man that is as much below the favour of the Court as above the business of the Country was in our Judges opinion the most happy and composed man this being the utmost of a knowing mans wish in England That he were as much out of the reach of contempt as to be above a Constable and as much out of the compass of trouble as to be below a Justice A Mean is the utâ—ost that can be prescribed either of Vertue or Bliss as in ouâ— Actions so in our State Great was the Capacity and good the Inclination of this manâ— large the Furniture and happy the Culture of his Soul grave his meen and stately his Behaviour well-regulated his Affections and allayed his passions well-principled his Mind and well-set his Spirit solâ—d his Observation working and practical his Judgement and as that Roman Heroe was more eminent whose image was missing than all the rest whose Portraictures were set up so this accomplished Gentleman is more observable because he was not a States-man than some of those that were so There is a glory in the obscurity of worthy men who as that Sun which they equal as well in common influence as lustre are most looked on when eclipsed Observations on the Life of Sir Rogeâ— Manwood SIr Roger Manwood born at Sandwich in Kent aâ—tained to such eminency in the Common Law that he was prefeâ—red second Justice of the Common Pleas by Qâ—een Elizabeth which place he dischaâ—ged with so much Ability and Integrity that not long after he was made chief Baron of the Exchequer which Office he most wisely managed to his great commendation full fourteen years to the â—ay of his death Much was he employed in matters of State and was one of the Commissioneâ—s who sate on the tryal of the Quâ—en of Scots He wrote a Book on the Forest-Laws which is highly prized by men of his proâ—ession In vacaâ—ion-time he constantly inhabited at St. Stephens in Canterbury and was bounteously liberal to the poor Inhabitants thereof and so charitable was he that he erected and endowed a fair Freâ—-school at Sandwich dying in the 35 of Queen Elizabeth anno Dom. 1593. Cloaths for necessity warm Cloaths for health cleanly for
Lord of Worcester as no mean Favourite was of the ancient and noble blood of the Beauforts and of the Queens Grandfathers line by the Mother which she could never forget especially where there was a concurrency of old Blood with Fidelity a mixture which ever sorted with the Queens Nature He was first made Master of the horse and then admitted of her Council of State In his Youth part whereof he spent before he came to reside at Court he was a very fine Gentleman and the best Horse-man and Tilter of the Times which were then the manlike and noble recreations of the Court and when years had abated these exercises of honour he grew then to be a faithful and profound Counsellour He was the last Liver of all the Servants of her favour and had the honour to see his renowned Mistress and all of them laid in the places of their rest and for himself after a life of a very noble and remarkable reputation he died in a peaceable Old Age full of Riches and Honour His Fathers temperance reached to 97â— yeâ—râ— of Age because he never eat but one Meal a day and his sparingness attained to 84 because he never eat but of one dish He came to the Queens favour because as her Father so she loved a man he kept in because as her Father too so she loved an able man His manlike Recreations commended him to the Ladies his prudent Atchievements to the Lords He was made master of the horse because active and privy Councellour because wise His mistress excused his Faith which was popisâ— but honoured his Faithfulness which was Roman it being her usual speech that my Lord of Worcester had reconciled what she thought inconsistent a stiff Papist to a good subject His Religion was not pompous but solidâ— not the shew of his life but the comfort of his soul. A great master he was of others affections and greater of his own passions many things displeased nothing angered my Lord of Worcester whose maxime was That he would not be disordered within himself onely because things were out of order without him He had this maxime whence he had his Nature from his prudent Father Sir Charles Somerset the first Earl of Worcester of that name whose temper was so pliable and nature so peaceable that being aâ—ked as it is usually reported of him How he passed so troublesome a Reign as King Henry's so uncertain as King Edward's so fierce as Queen Mary's and so unexpected as Queen Elizabeth's with so quiet so fixed so smooth so resolved and ready a mind and frame answered It was because he understood the Interest of the Kingdome while others observed its Humours His first publick service was to represent the Grandeur of his mistress at this Christening of the Daulphine of France and his last the like at the marrâ—age of the King of Scots whom he honoured with the Garter from his Mistress and advised to beware of Papists from the Council The frame of this noble mans body as it is delineated by Sir W. P. seems suited to the noble use it was designed for The entertaining of a mosâ— pure and active soul but eqâ—ally to the advantage of strength and comeliness befriended with all proportionate Dimensions and a most grave yet obliging Carriage There was a clear sprightfulness in his Complexion but a sâ—d reservedness in his nature both making up that blessed composiâ—ion of a wise and winning man of as great hardship of body as nobleness of spirit Of a quick sight and an accurate Ear a steady observation and ready expression with the Torrent whereof he at once pleased King Iames and amazed King Henry being the most natural Orator in the world Among all which Endowments I had almost forgot his memory that was very faithful to him in things and business though not punctilio's and formalities Great parts he had the range and compass whereof filled the whole circle of generous Learning in that person as it hath done in the following Heroes of that Family to this day Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Killigrew TRavellours report That the place wherein the body of Absalom was buried is still extant at Ierusalem and that it is a solemn custome of Pilgrims passing by it to cast a stone on the place but a well-disposed man can hardly go by the memory of this worthy person without doing grateful homage thereunto in bestowing upon him one or two of our Observations It 's a question sometimes whether Diamond gives more lustre to the Ring it 's set in or the Ring to the Diamond This Gentleman received honour from his Family and gave renown to it Writing is the character of the speech as that is of the mind From Tully whose Orations he could repeat to his dying day he gained an even and apt stile flowing at one and the self-same heighth Tully's Offices a Book which Boys read and men understand was so esteemed of my Lord Burleigh that to his dying day he always carried it about him either in his bosome or his pocket as a compleat peice that like Aristotle's Rhetorick would make both a Scholar and an Honest man Cicero's magnificent Orations against Anthony Catiline and Verres Caesar's great Commentaries that he wrote with the same spirit that he fought flowing Livy grave judicious and stately Tacitus elquent but faithful Curtius brief and rich Salust prudent and brave Xenophon whose person was Themistocles his Companion as his Book was Scipio Affricanus his Pattern in all his Wars ancient and sweet Herodotus sententious and observing Thucidides various and useful Polybius Siculus Halicarnâ—sseus Trogus Orosius Iustine made up our young mans Retinue in all his Travels where as Diodorus the Sicilian writes he sate on the stage of Humane Life observing the great circumstances of places persons times manners occasions c. and was made wise by their example who have trod the path of errour and danger before him To which he added that grave weighty and sweet Plutarch whose Books said Gaza would furnish the world were all others lost Neither was he amazed in the Labyrinth of History but guided by the Clue of Cosmography hanging his Study with Maps and his mind with exact Notices of each place He made in one View a Judgement of the Situation Intâ—rest and Commodities for want whereof many States-men and Souldiers have failed of Nations but to understand the nature of places is but a poor knowledge unless we know how to improve them by Art therefore under the Figures of Triangles Squares Circles and Magnitudes with their terms and bounds he could contrive most tools and instruments most Engines and judge of Fortifications Architecture Ships Wind and Water-works and whatever might make this lower frame of things useful and serviceable to mankinde which severer Studies he relieved with noble and free Poetry-aid once the pleasure and advancement of the Soul made by those higher motions of the minde more active and more laâ—ge
To which I adde her Sister musick wherewith he revived his tired spirits lengthened as he said his sickly days opened his oppressed breast eased his melancholy thoughâ— graced his happy pronunciation ordered and refined his irregular and gross inclination fixed and quickned his floating and dead notions and by a secret sweet and heavenly Vertue raised his spirit as he confessed sometime to a little less than Angelical Exaltation Curious he was to please his ear and as exact to please his eye there being no Statues Inscriptions or Coyns that the Vertâ—osi of Italy could shew the Antiquaries of France could boast off or the great Hoarder of Rarities the great Duke of Tuscany whose antick Coyns are worth 100000 l. could pretend to that he had not the view of No man could draw any place or work better none fancy and paint a Portraicture more lively being a Durer for proportion a Goltzius for a bold touch variety of posture a curious and true shadow an Angelo for his happy fancy and an Holben for Oyl works Neither was it a bare Ornament of Discourse or naked Diversion of leisure time but a most weighty piece of knowledge that he could blazon most noble and ancient Coats and thereby discern the relation interest and correspondence of great Families and thereby the meaning and bottom of all transactions and the most successful way of dealing with any one Family His Exercises were such as his Employments were like to be gentle and manlike whereof the two most eminent were Riding and Shooting that at once wholesomely stirred and nobly knitted and strengthened his body Two Eyes he saiâ— he travelled with the one of wariness upon himself the other of observation upon others This compleat Gentleman was Guardian to the young Brandon in his younger yearsâ— Agent for Sir Iohn Mason in King Edward the sixth's time and the first Embassador for the State in Queen Elizabeths time My Lord Cobham is to amuse the Spaniard my Lord Effingham to undermine the French and Sir Henry Killigrew is privately sent to engage â—he German Princes against Austria in point of Interest and for her Majesty in point of Religion he had a humour that bewitched the Elector of Bavaria a Carriage that awed him of Mentz a Reputation that obliged them of Colen and Hydelbergh and that reach and fluency in Discourse that won them all He assisted the Lords Hunsdon and Howard at the Treaty with France in London and my Lord of Essex in the War for France in Britain Neither was he less observable for his own Conduct than for that of others whose severe thoughts words and carriage so awed his inferiour faculties as to restrain him through all the heats of youth made more than usually importunate by the full vigour of a high and sanguine Constitution insomuch that they say he looked upon all the approaches to that sin then so familiar to his calling as a Souldier his quality as a Gentleman and his Station as a Courtier not onely with an utter disallowance in his judgement but with a natural abhorrency and antipathy in his very lower inclinations To which happiness it conduced not a little that though he had a good yet he had a restrained appetite a Knife upon his Throat as well as upon his Trencher that indulged it self neither frequent nor delicate entertainment its meals though but once a day being its pressures and it s fast its only sensualitieâ— to which temperance in diet adde but that in sleep together with his disposal of himself throughout his life to industry and diligenceâ— you will say he was a spotless man whose life taught us this Lesson which if observed would accomplish mankinde and which King Charles the fiâ—st would inculcate to noble Travellers and Dr. Hammond to all men To be furnished always with something to do A Lesson they proposed as the best expedient for Innocence and pleasure the foresaid blessed man assuring his happy heaâ—ers That no burthen is more heavy or temptation more dangerous than to have time lie on ones hand the idle man being not onely as he worded it the Devils shop but his kingdome too a model of and an appendage unto Hell a place given up to torment and to mischief Observations on the Life of Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton ARthur Gray Baron of Wilton is justly râ—ckoned amongst the Natives of Buckinghamshire whosâ— Father had his habitation not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hertfordshire whence he took his Title but at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham He succeeded to a small estate much diminished on this sad occasion His Father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France after long ineffectual solliciting to be because captivated in the publick service redeemed on the publick charge at last was forced to ransome himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his Valour being entred into Feats of War under his martial Father at the siege of Leith 1560 where he was shot in the shoulder which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scots He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580 where before he had received the Sword or any emblems of command ut acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret to fright his foes with fierce beginnings he unfortunately fought the Rebels at Grandilough to the great loss of English Blood This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct till he recovered his credit and finally suppressed the Rebellion of Desmond Returning into England the Qâ—een chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88 and fortifying places of advantage The mention of that year critical in Churcâ—-differences about discipline at homâ— as well as with forreign force abroad mindeth me that this Lord was but a back-friend to Bishops and in all divisions of Votes in Paâ—liament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party When Sâ—cretaâ—y Davison that State-pageant raised up on purpose to be put down was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots this Lord Gray onely defended him as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State An Ear-witness saith Haec fusè oratorie animose Greium disserentem audivimus So that besides bluntness the common and becoming Eloquence of Souldiers he had a real Rhetorick and could very emphatically express himself Indeed this Warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet and may be said always to have born his Beaver open not dissembling in the least degree but owning his own Judgement at all times what he was He deceased anno Domini 1593. Three things he was observed eminent for 1. Dâ—spatch San Ioseph having not been a week in Ireland before he had environed him by Sea and Land 2. For his resolution that he would not parley with him till he was brought to his mercy hanging out a
white flag with Misericordia Misericordia 3. For his prudence 1. Tâ—at he saved the Commanders to oblige the Spaniard 2. That he plundered the Country to enrich his Souldiers 3. That he decimated the Souldiery to terrifie Invaders and hanged all the Irish to amaze the Traytors Henry Fitz-alaâ— Earl of Arundel when Steward at King Edward's Coronation or Constable at Queen Mary's was the first that rid in a Coach in England my Lord Gray was the first that brought a Coach hither one of a working Brain and a great Mechanist himself and no less a Patron to the Ingenious that were so That there was an emulation between him and Sussex was no wonder but that the instance wherein he thought to disgrace him should be his severity to the English Traytor and the Forreign Invadors would seem strange to any but those that conâ—ider 1. That Princes of late would seem as they look on the end and not the means so they hug a cruelty and frown on the Instrument of it who while he honestly sacrificeth some irrâ—gular particulars to the interest of Soveraignty may be made himself a sacrifice to the passion of populacy And â—â— which is the case here that aâ—piring Princes may employ severer Natures but setled ones use the more moderate Love keeps up the Empire which Power hath set up Observations on the Life of Thomas Lord Burge THomas Lord Burge or Borough was born in his Fathers noble house at Gainsborough in the County of Lincoln He was sent Embassadour into Scotland in 1593 to excuse Bothwel his lurking in England to advise the speedy suppression of the Spanish Faction to advance the Prâ—testants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence and to instruct that King about his Council which was done accordingly He was made Lord-Deputy of Ireland anno 1597 in the room of Sir William Russel Mr Cambden saith thus of him Vir acer animi plenus sed nullis ferè Castrorum rudimentis As soon as the Truce with Tyrone was expired he stâ—aightly beâ—ieged the Fort of Black-water the onely receptacle of the Rebels in those parts besides their Woods and Bogs Having taken this Fort by force presently followed a bloody Battle wherein the English lost many woâ—thy men He was struck with untimely death before he had continued a whole year in his place it being wittily observed of the short Lives of many worthy men Fatuos â— morte defendit ipsa insâ—lsitas si cui pluâ— caeteris aliquantulum salis insit quod miremini statim putrescit Things rare destroy themselves tâ—ose two things being incompaâ—ible in our nature Perfection and Lasliâ—â—ness His Educaâ—ion was not to any particular Profession yet his parts able to manage all A large soul and a great spirit apart from all advantages can do wonders His Master-piece was Embassi where his brave Estate set him above respectâ— and compliance and his comely person above contempt His Geography and history led to the Interest of other princes and his Experience to that of his own His skill in most Languages helped him to understand others and his resoluâ—ion to use onely his own to be reserved himself In two things he was very scrupulous 1. In his Commission 2. In his servants whom he always he said found honest enough but seldome quick and reserved And in two things very careful viz. 1. The time and humour of his Addresses 2. The Interest Inclinations and Dependencies of Favourites A grave and steady man observing every thing but affected with nothing keeping as great distance between his looks and his heart as between his words and his thoughts Very exact for his priviledges very cold and indifferent in his motions which were always guided by the emergencies in that Country and by his intelligence from home Good he was in pursuing his limited instruction excellent where he was free and his business was not his obedience onely but his discretion too that never failed but in his last enterprize which he undertook without any apparent advantage and attempted without intelligence An Enterprize well worthy his invincible Courage but not his accustomed prudence which should never expose the person of a General to the danger of a common Souldier Observations on the Life of William Lord Pawlet WIlliam Pawlet where-ever born had his laâ—gest estate and highest Honour Baron of Basing and Marquess of Winchâ—ster in Hantshire â— He was descended from a younger house of the Pawlets in Hinton St. George in Somersetshire as by the Crescent in his Arms is acknowledged One telleth us That he being a younger Brother and having wasted all that was left him came to court on trust where upon the stock of his Wit he trafficked so wisely and prospered so well that he got spent and left more than any subject since the Conquest Indeed he lived at the time of the dissolution of Abbeys which was the Harvest of Estates and it argued idleneâ—s if any Courtier had his Barns empty He was servant to King Henry the seventh and for thirty years together Treasuâ—er to King Henry the eightâ— Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth the latter in some sort owed their Crowns to his Counsel his policy being the principal Defeater of Dâ—ke Dudley's Designe to dis-inherit them I behold this Lord Pawlet like to aged Adoram so often mentioned in Scriptures being over the Tribute in the days of King David all the Reign of King Solomon until the first year of Rehoboam And though our Lord Pawlet enjoyed his place not so many years yet did he serve more Soveraigns in more mutable times being as he said of himself No Oak but an Osier Herein the parallel holds not the hoary hairs of Adoram were sent to the Grave by a violent death slain by the people in a Tumult this Lord had the rare happiness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 setting in his full splendour having lived 97 years and seen 103 out of his body He died anno Domini 1572. Thus far Mr. Fuller This Gentleman had two Rules as useful for mankind as they seem opposite to one another 1. That in our Considerations and Debates we should not dwell in deceitful Generals but look into clear Particulars 2. That in our Resolutions and Conclusions we should not rest on various Particulars but rise to uniform Generals A Man he was that reverenced himself that could be vertuous when alone and good when onely his own Theatre his own applause though excellent before the world his vertue improving by fame and glory as an heat which is doubled by reâ—lexion Observations on the Life of Sir James Dier JAmes Dier Knight younger Son to Richard Dier Esquire was born at Round-hill in Somersetshire as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and waâ— made Lord Chief Iustice of the Common Pleas primo Eliz. continuing therein twenty four years When Thomas Duke of Norfolk was
difference ended was Is not this easier than going to London or Ludlow When a man fretted against himself or other My Friend he would say take it from me a weakman complains of others an unfortunate man of himself but a wise man neither of others nor of himself It was his Motto I 'll never threaten To threaten an Enemy is to instruct him a Superiour is to endanger my person an Inferiour is to disparage my conduct Old servants were the Ornament and stay of his Family for whom he reserved a Copyhold when aged a service when hopeful an Education when pregnant Twice was he sent underhand to France and once to Scotland to feel the pulse of the one and to embroyl the other It 's for setled Kingdomes and for Wealthy men to play above-board while the young State as the young Fortune should be least in sight He and Sir Thomas Randolph amuse the Queen of Scots with the hope of the Crown of England and the King of France by a League with his protestant subjects to whose aâ—sistance Sir Adrian Poynings arrives as Field-marshal and the Earl of Warwick as General Sir Nicholas Arnold had disposed Ireland to a settlement when Justicer and Sir Henry Sidney formerly Justicer and Treasurer was now to compleat it as Dâ—puty being assisted in Munster by Sir Warham St. Leiger and elsewhere by the brave Earl of Ormond having procured his Antagonist the Earl of Desmond to be called to England in order of a peace and tranquility Great was his Authority over far greater his love to and esteem of the Soldiers with whom he did wonders against Shane Oneals Front while Randolph charged his Rear until the wild Rebels submits and is executed When he resigned his Authority and Honour to Sir William Drury he took his farewel of Ireland in these words VVhen Israel departed out of Egypt and the house of Jacob from a barbarous people A singular man he was saith the Historian and one of the most commendable Deputies of Ireland to whose Wisdome and Fortitude that Kingdome cannot but acknowledge much though it is as impatient of Deputies as Sicily was of old of Procurators Observations on the Life of Sir John Puckering HE was born at Flamboroughead in Yorkshire second Son to a Gentleman that left him an Estate neither plenteous nor penurious his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion gaining thereby such skill in the common Law that he became the Queens Sergeant speaker in the house of Commons and at last Lord Chancellour of England How he stood in his Iudgement in the point of Church-discipline plainly appeareth by his following speech delivered in the house of Lords 1588. You are especially commanded by her Majesty to take heed that no Ear be given nor time afforded to the wearisome sollicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans where with all the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned which â—ort of men whilst that in the giddiness of their Spirits they labour and strive to advance a new eldership they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self and as well guided for the discipline as any Realm that confesseth the truth And the same thing is already made good to the world by many of the Writings of godly and learned men neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners And as the present case standeth it may be doubted whether they or the Iesuits do offer more danger or be more speedily to be repressed For albeit the Iesuites do empoyson the hearts of Her Majesties Subjects under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their Obedience due to Her Majesty yet do they the same but closely and in privy-corners But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books and teach in all their Conventicles sundry Opinions not onely dangerous to a Well-setled Estate and the Policy of the Realm by putting a Piâ—e between the Clergy and the Layty but also much derogatory to her sacred Majesty and her Crown as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawful Revenues and by denying Her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy as by offering peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdome In all which things however in other Points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Iesuites yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their fellow subjects and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince they do both joyn and concur with the Iesuites in opening the Door and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that iâ— threatned against the Realm And thus having according to the weakness of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction I rest there with humble Suit of her Majesties most gracious Pardon in supplying of my defects and recommend you to the Author of all good councel He died anno Domini 1596 charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir Integer Hiâ— Estate is since descended according to the solemn settlement thereof the Male Issue failing on Sir Henry Newton who according to the Condition hath assumed the surname of Puckering Sir Thomas Egerton urged against the Earl of Arundel methodically what he had done before in and since the Spanish Invasion Sir Iohn Puckering pressed things closely both from Letters and Correspondence with Allen and Parsons that few men had seen and from the saying of my Lord himself which fewer had observed who when Valongers Cause about a Libel was handled in the Star-chamber had said openly He that is throughly Popish the same man cannot but be a Traytor A man this was of himself of good repute for his own Carriage but unhappy for that of his servants who for disposing of his Livings corruptly left themselves an â—ill name in the Church and him but a dubious one in the State David is not the onely person whom the iniquity of his heels that is of his followers layeth hold on Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bromley SIr Thomas Bromley was born at Bromley in Shropshire of a right ancient Family He was bred in the Inner Temple and made before he was forty years of age General sollicitor to Queen Elizabeth and afterwards before he was fifty succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellour yet Bacon was not missed while Bromley succeded him and that loss which otherwise could not have been repaired now could not be perceived Which Office he wisely and learnedly executed with much discretion possessing it nine years and died anno 1587 not being sixty years old My Lord Hunsdon first employed this Gentlâ—man and my Lord Burleigh took first notice of him He had a deep head to dive to the bottome of the abstruse Cases of those times and a happy mean to manage them with no less security to the Estate than satisfaction to the people A man very industrious in his
cunning and hated all concealments and pretensions which he had sagicity enough to discover and look through but a spirit too generous to practise it none being more able for yet none more averse to that ciâ—cuâ—locution and contrivance wherewith some men shadow their mâ—in drift and purpose Speech was made to open man to man and not to hide him to promote Commerce and not betray it HOw happy is he born and taught That serveth not anothers will Whose Armour is his honest thought And simple truth his utmost skill Whose passions not his Masters are Whose soul is still prepar'd for death Vntide unto the world by care Of Publick fame or private breath Who envies none that chance doth raise Nor vice hath ever understood How deepest wounds are given by praise Nor Rules of State but Rules of Good Who hath his life from rumours freed Whose conscience is his strong retreatâ— Whose state can neither flatterers feed Nor râ—ine make Oppressors great Who God doth late and early pray More of his grace than gifts to lend And entertains the harmles day With a religious book or friend This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise or fear to fall Lord of himself though not of lands And having nothing yet hath all Observations on the Life of Sir John Packington SIr Iohn Packington was a person of no mean Family and of form and feature no way despiseable for he was a brave Gentleman and a very fine courtier and for the time which he stayed there was very high in the Queens grace but he came in and went out and through disassiduity lost the advantage of her favour and death drawing a vail over him utterly deprived him of recovery Had he broughtless to the Court than he did he might have carried away more than he brought for he had a time for it but he was an ill husband of opportunity His handsome features took the most and his neat parts the wisest at Court He could smile Ladies to his service and argue States-men to his designe with equal ease His reason was powerful his beauty more Never was a brave soul more bravely seated Nature bestowed great parts on him education polished him to an admirable frame of prudence and vertue Queen Eliâ—abeth called him Her Tâ—mperance and Leicester His Modesty It is a question to this day whether his resolution took the Souldiers his prudence the Politicians his complyance the Favourites his complaisance the Courtiers his piety the Clergy his integrity and condescention the People or his knowledge the learned most This new Court-star was a nine-days wonder engaging all eyes until it set satisfied with its own glory He came to Court he said as Sâ—lomon did to see its vanity and retired as he did to repent it It was he who said first what Bishop Sanderson urged afterwards That a sound Faith was the best Divinity a good Conscience the best Law and Temperance the best Physick Sir Iohn Packington in Queen Elizabeths time was vertuous and modest and Sir Iohn Packington in King Charles his time loyal and valiant the one did well the other suffered so Greenham was his Favourite Hammon his the one had a competant estate and was contented the other hath a large one and is noble this suppresseth Factions in the kingdome the other composed them in the Court and was called by Courtiers Moderation Westmerland tempted his fidelity and Norfolk his stedfastness but he died in his bed an honest and an happy man wâ—ile one of them goes off tainted on the Sâ—rffold and the other dies a beggâ—r in Flanders Observations on the Lives of the Norrises and Knowles MY Lord Norris had by his Lady an ample Issue which the Queen highly respected for he had six sons all martial brave men of haughty courage and of great experience in the conduct of military affairs Greater was not the Faction between Leicester and Sussex at court than that between the Knowles and the Norrises in the Country both Families of Oxfordshire the one resolute at Greys the other valiant at Rycote the former got great estates at home the latter attained to great honour abroad The Knowles were beloved by the Queen for their own sakes the Norrises for theirs and her own sake the Knowles were of the same blood with her Majesty the Norrises spent theirs for her 1. My Lord Norris died at Court an honest man 2. Sir Francis at Bulloign a good Souldier 3. Sir William at Berwick a brave Governour 4. Sir Thomas at Munster a wise President 5. Sir Maximilian at Bretaign an expert Engineer 6. Maximilian at Groen a renowned Heroe 7. Sir Iohn was a most accomplished General no less eminent for his safe retreats than for his resolute onsets France hath recorded this testimony of him That he brought on his men so warily as one that could bring them off and England this That he brought them off so resolutely as one that durst bring them on His fortune often overthrew his enemy and his wisdome oftner saved his friends His conduct was famous and his Discipline exact His Actions are Presidents and his Orders Laws of War to this day He was bred under Castilion and out-did him Ireland was always possessed but never conquered till Norris came who could lie on the coldest earth swim the deepest Rivers force the straightest Passes find out the most secret corners and tread the softest Bog who could endure any thing but an affront and a Superiour the first whereof upon a repulse at Court saddened his heart as the second upon another Deputies being sent over him broke it Unsuccessful he was with Don Antonio in Spain because he understood not the Country In the Low-Countries he gained experience first and then victory in Ireland he had Connaught for his Grave Mount Norris his Monument and the Letter of Queen Elizabeth to his Mother his Epitapâ— As the first eminent Norris suffered for Anne Bullen the Qu. Mother so the first eminent Knowles suffered with Protestantism her Religion Norris could not rise though he deserved his honour because of Leicester that favoured his Brother Knowles and Essex that envyed him neither could Knowles advance because of Sussex that feared and Cecil that suspected him The Knowles were deserving but modest favoured but humble powerful but quiet rather firm at Court than high allied to the Queen and faithful to the Crown Queen Elizabeth advanced Sir Francis to the Vicechamberlainship treasurership of the houshold Captainship of the Guard and the order of the Garter because she said He was an honest man and King Iames and King Charles raised his Son Sir William to the Earldome of Bambury because he was a serviceable man Honestly faithful was that family to their Mistress that was and providently so were they to their Master that should be Handsome men they were when attending at Court and valiant when called to the Camp Norrises 1. The Norrises are employed in Embassies of War wherein they were
active 2. My Lord Norris his resolution was very becoming in the demand of Calice 3. The Irish Conspirator Thoumond opened a Plot against the Government in Ireland to the Agent Norris Knowles 1. The Knowles are abroad in religious Negotiations for which they had been Confessors Sir Francis in France and Sir Henry in Germany 2. Francis Knowles his meekness was suitable to his perswasions for Religion 3. And the Scots Schismatick Humes discovered a designe against the Church in England to the Embassadour Knowles In 88 My Lord Hunsdon guarded the Queens person with 34000 foot and 2000 horse the Earl of Leicester commanded the Midland Army of 22000 foot and 1000 horse Sir Roger Williams and Sir Richard Bingham were in the head of 20000 in the Thames mouth and Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Francis Knowles with other Assistants sate in the Council of War to overlook all Sir Iohn advised three things 1. The Guarding of the Havens 2. The Training of the Militia and the preparing of them to be at an hours warning upon a signal given which was then the firing of a Beacon 3. That if the enemy did land the Country should be laid waste before him the Train-bands alarming him day and night Sir Francis added 1 What shires and what numbers should assist each Coast how the men should be armed how commanded and in what order they should fight 2. That the Papists should not be massacred as some would have it but secured 3. That the Deputy of Ireland should be instructed 4. That the King of Scots should be engaged 5. That Agents should be sent to the Netherlands and to France And 6. That the Queen should encourage the people with her own presence Sir Iohn Norris died when he saw beyond others expectation and his own merit the Lord Burge made Lord-Deputy and himself but President of Munster his great minde sinking under one affront from his Soveraign which had born up against all the assaults of her enemies leaving this honour behinde him That he laid the best grounds of military practice in England â— But who can stand before Envy A further Character of Sir Iohn Norris from Queen Elizabeths Letter to his Mother My own Crow HArm not your self for bootless help but shew a good example to comfort your dolorous yoak-fellow Although we have deferred long to represent to â—ou our grieved thoughts because we liked full ill to yeild you the first reflexion of mis-fortune whom we have always rather sought to cherish and comfort yet knowing now that Necessity must bring it to your ear and Nature consequently must move both grief and passion in your heart VVe resolved no longer to smotâ—er neither our care for your sorrow or the sympathy of our grief for your loss VVherein if it be true That Society in sorrow works diminution VVe do assure you by this true Messenger of our minde that Nature can have stirred no more dolorous affection in you as a Mother for a dear Son than Gratefulness and memory of his Service past hath wrought in us his Soveraign apprehension of our miss for so worthy a Servant But now that Natures common work is done and he that was born to die hath paid his Tribute let that Christian discretion stay the flux of your immoderate grieving which hath instructed you both for example and knowledge that nothing in this kinde hath happened but by Gods divine providence And let these Lines from your loving gracious Soveraign serve to assure you that there shall ever appear the lively Character of our Estimation of him that was in our gracious care of you and yours that are left in valuing rightly all their faithful and honest Endeavours More at this time we will not write of this unpleasant subject but have dispatched this Gentleman to visit both your Lord and you and to condole with you in the true sense of your love and to pray that the world may see what time cureth in a â—eak minde that Discretion and Moderation helpeth in you in this accident where there is so just cause to demonstrate true Patience and Moderation Your Gracious and Loving Soveraign E. R. Observations on the Life of Secretary Davison THat Meteor of the Court raised onely in an an excess of heat and vapours to fall in a clearer day for having good parts to act an easie nature to comply and a good disposition to be imposed on he was raised to play others parts rather then his own in those intricate and dark times when fools were put to execute what wise men advised and the world saw but the plain side of the great watch of State within which all the springs were inclosed and hid That he was but of a private capacity and so safely to be raised as one that would neither outshine nor outdare his Patron Machiavil hath a Rule Disc. l. 3. c. 2. That it is a very great part of wisdome sometimes to seem a fool and so lie out of the reach of Observation and Iealousie appears from his Negotiations that were either payment of money in the Netherlands a Merchants business or taking security of the Merchants in France a Scriveners part or pacifying the tumult in Holland the tâ—sk of a Buâ—gomaster Beale the Clerk of the Council and he were joyned in Commission always to deal with the Scots the one the austerest and the other the sweetest man living When the first frighted those rude people with expostulations the second got into them with insinuations A hard and a soft a Hammer and a Cushion breaks a Flint Fear and Love rule the world His Grand Case as that great Historian layeth it is briefly this Many Protestants thought themselves in danger while the Queen of Scots was alive many Papists thought themselves undone while she was imprisoned these last press her to some dangerous undertakings of the first some were for securing others for transporting and a third party for poysoning her to which purpose many Overtures were made though yet none durst undertake it that had either estate or honour to lose being so wise as not to understand what was meant by the strange Letters that were sent else they might have faln into this Gentlemans fortune who unadvisedly venturing between the honour and safety of his Soveraign was ground to nothing betwixt the fear of one party and the shame of the other But this mild but stout because honest manâ— was not so weak in the perpetration of this fault as he was wise in his Apology for it saying He would not confess a guilt and betray his integrity nor yet stand upon a Justification and forget his Duty He would neither contest with his Soveraign nor disparage himself but clear himself as an honest man and submit as a thankful servant and a good subject DAzled thus with heighth of place Whilst our hopes our wits beguile No man marks the narrow space 'Twixt a prison and a smile Then since Fortunes favours fade You
in the Voyage to Portugal behaved himself valiantly and honourably as also at Bergen in the Netherlands when it was besieged by the Spaniards approved himself a young man of invincible Valour in the defence thereof Who also in the day wherein Kinsale was assaulted was placed in the first Rank nearest of all unto the Town and with no less Success than Valour to the great safety of the whole Army beat back and put to flight the Spaniards who in the same day made several Sallies out of the Town Know therefore that we in intuition of the Premises have appointed the aforesaid Thomas Ropeâ— Knight c. Then followeth his patent wherein King Charles the first in the third of his Reign created him Baron of Bauntree and Viscount Baltinglass in Ireland He was a principal means to break the hearts of the Irish Rebels for whâ—reâ—s forâ—erly the Eâ—glish were loaâ—ed with their own Cloaths sâ— that their â—â—ipping into Bogs did make them and the clopping of their breeches did keep them prisoners therein he first being then a Commander put himself into Irish Trouzes and was imitated first by all his Officers then Souldiers so that thus habited they made the more effectual execution on their enemies He died at Ropers Rest anno Dom. 164. and was buried with Anne his Wife Daughter to Sir Henry Harrington in St. Johns Church in Dublin Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Umpton SIr Henry Umpton was born at Wadley in Barkshire He was son to Sir Edward Umpton by Anne the Relict of John Dudley Earl of Warwick and the eldest Daughter of Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset He was employed by Queen Elizabeth Embassador into France where he so behaved himself right stoutly in her behalf as may appear by this particular In the moneth of March anno 1592 being sensible of some injury offered by the Duke of Guise to the Queen of England he sent him this ensuing Challenge For as much as lately in the Lodging of my Loâ—d Du Mayne and in publick elsewhere impudently indiscreetly and over-boldly you spoke badly of my Soveraign whose sacred person here in this Country I represent To maintain both by word and weapon her honour which never was called in question among people of honestly and vertue I say you have wickedly lyed in speaking so basely of my Soveraign and you shall do nothing else but lye whensoever you shall dare to tax her honour Moreover then her sacred person being one of the most compleet and vertuous Princess that lives in this world ought not to be evil spoken of the tongue of such a perâ—idious Traytor to her law and Country as you are And hereupon I do defie you and challenge your person to mine with such manner of Arms as you shall like or chuse be it either on horse-back or on foot Nor would I have you to think any inequality of person between us I being issued of as great a Race and Noble house every way as your self So aâ—signing me an indifferent place I will there maintain my words and the lye which I gave you and which you should not endure if you have any courage at all in you If you consent not to meet me hereupon I will hold you and cause you to be generally held one of the arrantest Cowards and most slanderous Slave that lives in all France I expect your answer I find not what Answer was returned This Sir Henry dying in the French Kings Camp before Lofear had his Corpse brought over to London and carried in a Coach to Wadley thence to Farington where he was buried in the Church on Tuesday the eighth of July 1596. He had allowed him a Barons Hearse because he died Ambassadour Leiger Observations on the Life of the Earl of Essex IT is observed that the Earl of Essex had his Inâ—roduction to favour by the Lord of Leicester who had married his Mother a tye of Affinity This young Lord was a most goodly person in whom was a kind of Urbanity or innate Couâ—tesie which both won the Queen and too much took upon the people to gaze upon the new-adopted son of her favour He was noted even of those that truly loved and honoured him for too bold an Ingrosser both of Fame and Favour Having upon occasion left the Court for a while he gave a fair opportunity for his foes to undermine him so that he lived a mixture between Prosperity and Adversity once very great in her favour which was afterwards lost for want of consideration and cunningness He was raised by Leicester to poize Rawley as Rawley was by Sussex to check Leicester Indeed pity first opened the door to him for his Fathers sake that died in Ireland Alliance led him in for his Father-in-laws sake that reigned at Court His own Royal blood welcomed him for his Mother Knowles that was kin to her Majesty his good parts his tall and comely personage his sweet disposition and incomparable nature his noble Ancestors his fair though impaired fortune brought him first to favour and then to dalliance He was a Masteâ—-piece of Court and Camp his Beauty ennamelling his Valour and his Valour being a foile to his Beauty both drawing those noble respects of love and honour both awing both endearing It was his Nobleness that â—e distrusted none it was his Weakness that he trusted all whereby he suffered more from those that should havâ— been his friends than from them who were his enemies Good Man his ruine was that he measured other breasts by his own and that he thought mankinde was as innocent as his own person His merit gained applause and his Parasites swelled it to Popularity and the last enjealousied that majesty which the first had obliged His youthful and rash Sallies abroad gave too much opportunity to his enemies whispers and too visible occasions for her Majesties suspicion that he was either weak and so not to be favouredâ— or dangerous and so to be suppressed Absence makes Princes forget those they love and mistrust those they fear Exact Correspondence is the sinew of private and of publick friendship So great a master he thought himself of his Soveraigns affection that he must needs be master of himself and steal to France without leave where said the Queen he might have been knocked on the head as Sidney was His Journey to France was not more rash than his Voyage to Cales was renowned yet the one gave the Envious arguments of his disobedience and the other of his Disloyalty his enemies suggesting that in the first he contemned his mistress and that in the second he had a designe upon her His Action at Cales was applauded but his Triumpâ—s were too solemn his Panegyricâ—s too high his Train tâ—o Princâ—ly his Hâ—nâ—uâ—s aâ—d Knighâ—hoods too cheap his Popularity too much affected and his ear more open toâ— hear what he had done â— tâ—an what he was If his Manhood had been as slow as his Youth he had been
moderate if his Life had answered his education he had been patient if his Eye had been as open upon his enemies as his Ear to his fâ—iends he had been cautious if he had been as happy in his constant converse as he wâ—s obliging in his first address he had been a Prince if he had had either less Fortune or a greater Soul eithâ—r lâ—ss of the Dove or more of the Serpent he had bid fair for a Crown or at least had saved his Head The people wished him well but they are unconstanâ— the Queen loved him but she is jealous his followers are numerous but giddy affectionate but ill advice his enemies are few but wâ—tchful on all occasions for is he pleased they swell it to pride and vain imaginations is he crossed they improve it to discontent and sedition An Army must be sent against Tyrone he is not willing that any other should lead it and unwilling to lead it himself yet over he goeth fatally for the service was knotty and his disposition smooth his power was large but that with as large a minde intangled him his Army was great but that meeting with a great designe precipitated him his Title to the Crown was defended but that lost him his head He had exact advices from friends especially fâ—om Sir Francis Bacon and great directions from his Prince but he followed his own when he should have fought the main body of his enemy he skirmisheth their Forlorns when he should have returned with a noble Conquest he stole home aftâ—r a suspitious Treaâ—y the Royal Checks that â—hould have instructed incenseth him and what was designed a chastisement he turns to a ruine Beloved he is of the people but that aggravatethâ— his rashness flattered by Courtiers but that swelleth his humour followed he is by the discontented of Church and State but that increaseth the jealousie ill advised he is by heady Cuffe and Meyriche and that hasteneth his fall humbled he is by the advancement of his Rivals and that enrageth hiâ— easie and open was his Nature close â—ctive and vigilant his Enemies Valiant he was but therefore feared Noble and obliging to all hopâ—ful men and therefore watched A great Party he had but they had no Head A Minion he was at once to Prince and People but he had no Balance A man of great peâ—formances but no designe One that had too much Religion and Fidelity to be a Traytor too good a Nature to be safe too much presumption on affections when absent to be steady He presumed too much on his own strenâ—â—h or his friends wiâ—dome whe he came out of Ireland he was too much wrought upon by his enemies when he came to London which had too much to lose to hazard a Rebellion and went not to Wales where his fathers and his own goodness had engaged 1000 Lives and Fortunes In a word Leicester's reservedness Bacon's stayedness Sir Robert Cecil's humility Sir Fâ—lke Grevil's modâ—sty added to his parts and presence his valour and liberality his good nature and large heart his favour with his Prince and popularity with the suâ—jects had raised him to a capacity with the great Earl of Warwick to set the English Crown on what head he pleased although it was the universal opinion he had no other ambition than to set it on King Iames his head which it belonged to with his own hands his designe was well principled but not well moulded he had many hands but no able heads his correâ—pondence was universal but not firm and exactâ— his Naâ—ure was active but impatient his â—nterest was popular not throughly understood he neither comprehending the Inclinaâ—ions of the Kingdome in gross in Parliament nor in the retayl in its particular divisions The Catholicks might hâ—ve been his but he was too good-natured to cajole them the State was well inclined but effeminate after so long prosperity Hope of pardon sent him to his grave with more silence than was expected from him and the peoples regret and with more sorrow than became a Qâ—een or her Kingdomes safety His party was too needy and their counsels too violenâ— Ambition and good Nature are incompatible Others counsels are never so faithful as our own When we hear others advice let our reason jâ—dge of it when great be wary when successful reserved when rising stayed especially in that Age when men were poysoned with Oyl and undone with Honey when active modest when checked yeilding when dandled distrustâ—ul when flattered feaâ—ful when great not absolute â—s my Lord would have been in point of favour against my Lord Mountjoy and valour against my Lâ—rd Norris Serve not your Followers but employ them Let others service administer to your designe not your power to theirs Let great Actions encourage greater and let honour be your merit and not your expectation Some have been busie in the enquiry of what reason the Virgin-Queen had for her kindness to Leicester and this man if there be a reason in any much less in Royal love save the affection its self that bears it true he had Vertue and suffering enough at his first arrival to engage the kindness and the pity of a worse Princess yet some then discoursed of a Conjunction of their Stars that made way for that of their minds Certainly saith Cambden the inclination of Princes to some persons and their disfavour towards others may seem fatal and guided by higher Powers A Parallel between the Earl of Essex and the Duke of Buckingham by H. W. THe beginning of the Earl of Essex I must attribute wholly or in great part to my Lord of Leicester but yet as an Introducer or supporter not as a Teacher for as I go along it will easily appear that he neither lived nor died by his Diâ—cipline Always certain it is that he drew him first into the fatal Circle from a kinde of resolved privateness at his house at Lampsie in South-wales where after the Academical life he had taken such a taste of the Rural as I have heard him say and not upon any flashes or fumes of Melancholy or traverses of discontent but in a serene and quiet mood that he could well have bent his mind to a retired course About which time the said Earl of Leicester bewrayed a meaning to plant him in the Queens favour which was diversly interpreted by such as thought that great Artizan of Court to do nothing by chance nor much by affection Some therefore were of opinion that feeling more and more in himself the weight of time and being almost tired if there be a saâ—iety in power with that assiduous attendance and intensive circumspection which a long-indulgent fortune did require he was grown not unwilling for his own ease to bestow handsomely upon another some part of the pains and perhaps of the envy Others conceived rather that having before for the same ends brought in or let in Sir Walter Rawleigh and having found him such an Apprentice as knew
well enough how to set up for himself he now meant to allie him with this young Earl who had yet taken no strong impressions For though the said Sir Walter Rawleigh was a little before this whereof I now speak by occasion much fallen fâ—om his former splendour in Court yet he still continued in some lustre of a favoured man like billows that sink by degrees even when the wind is down that first stirred them Thus runs the discourse of that time at pleasure yet I am not ignorant that there was some good while a very stiff aversation in my Lord of Essex from applying himself to the Earl of Leicester for what secret conceit I know not but howsoever that humour was mollified by time and by his mother and to the Court he came under his Lord. The Duke of Buckingham had another kinde of Germination and surely had he been a plant he would have been recâ—oned amongst the Sponte Nascentes for he sprung without any help by a kind of congenial composure â—s we mâ—y term it to the likeness of oâ—r late Soveraign and master of ever blessed memory who taking him into his regard taught him more and more to please himself and moulded him as it were Platonically to his own Idea delighting first in the choice of the Materials because he found him susceptible of good form and afterward by degrees as great Architects use to do in the workmanship of his Regal hand nor staying here after he had hardned and polished him about ten years in the School of observance for so a Court is and in the furnace of tryal about himself for he was a King could peruse men as well as Books he made him the associate of his Heir apparent together with the new Lord Cottingtoâ— as an adjunct of singular experience and trust in forraign travels and in a business of love and of no equal hazard if the tendernâ—ss of our zeal did not then deceive us enough the world must confess to kindle affection even betwixt the distantest conditions so as by the various and inward conversation abroad besides that before and after at â—ome with the most constant and best-natured Prince Bona si sua norint as ever England enjoyed â—his Duke becomes now secondly seized of favour as it were by descent though tâ—e condition of that estate be no more than a Tenancy at Will or at most â—or the life of the first Lord and rarely transmitâ—ed which I have briefly set down without looking â—eyond the vail of the Temple I mean into the secret of high inclinations since even Satyrical Poets â—who are otherwise of so licentious fancy are in this â—oint modest enough to confess their ignorance Nescio quid certe est quod me tibi temperet Astrum And these were both their Springings and Imprimings as I may call them In the profluence or proceedings of their fortunes I observe likewise not onely much difference between them but in the Eaâ—l not a little from himself First all his hopes of advancement had like to be stâ—anglâ—d almost in the very Cradle by throwing himself into the Portugal Voyage without the Queens consent or so much as her knowledge whereby he lâ—ft his Friends and Dependents near six months in desperate suspense what would become of him And to speak truth not without good reason For first they might well consiâ—er That he was himself not well plumed in favour for such a â—light besides that now he wanted a Lord of Leicester at home for he was dead the year before to smooth his absence and to quench the practices at Court But above all it lay open to every mans discourse that though the bare offence to his Soveraign and Mistress was too great an adventure yet much more when she might as in this case have fairly discharged her displeasure upon her Laws Notwithstanding a noble report coming home before him at his return all was clear and this excursion was esteemed but a Sally of youth Nay he grew every day more and more in her gracious conceit whether such intermissions as these do sometimes foment affection or that having committed a fault he became the more obsequious and plyant to redeem it or that she had not received into her Royal Breast any shadows of his popularity Theâ—e was another time long after when Sir Fulke Grevil late Lord Brooke a man in appearance intrinsecal with him or at the least admitted to his Melancholy hours either belike espying-some weariness in the Queen or perhaps with little change of the word though more in the danger-some marks towards him and working upon the present matter as she was dexterous and close had almost super-induced into favour the Earl of Southampton which yet being timely discovered my Lord of Essex chose to evaporate his thoughts in a Sonnet being his common way to be sung before the Queen as it was by one Hales in whose voyce she took some pleasure whereof the complot me thinks had as much of the Hermit as of the Poet And if thou should'st by Her be now forsaken She made thy Heart too strong for to be shaken As if he had been casting one eye back at the least to his former retiredness But all this likewise quickly vanished and there was a good while afer fair weather over-head Yet still I know not how like a gathering of Clouds till towards his latter time when his humours grew tart as being now in the Lees of favour it brake forth into certain suddain recesses sometimes from the Court to Wansteed otherwhiles unto Greenwich often to his own Chamber Doors shut Visits forbidden and which was worse divers contestations between with the Qâ—een her self all preambles of ruine wherewith though now and then he did wring out of her Majesty some petty contentments as a man would press sowre Grapes yet in the mean time was forgotten the counsel of a wise and then a Prophetical Friend who told him that such courses as those were like hot Waters which help at a pang but if they be too often used will spoil the stomack On the Dukes part we have no such abrupt strains and precipees as these but a fair fluent and uniform course under both Kings And surely as there was in his natural Constitution a marvellous equality whereof I shall speak more afterwards so there was an image of it in his Fortune râ—nning if I may borrow an ancient comparison as smoothly as a numerous Verse till it meet with certain Rubs in Parliament whereof I am induced by the very subject which I hanâ—le to say somewhat so far as shal concern the difference between their times WHen my Lord of Essex stood in favour the Parliaments were calm nay I find it a true observation that there was no impeachment of any Nobleman by the Commons from the Reign of King Henry the sixth until the eighteenth of King Iames nor any intervenient precedâ—nt of that nature not that something or other could be
wanting to be said while men are men For not to go higher we are taught easily so much by the very Ballads and Libels of Leicestrian time But above the aforesaid year many young ones being chosen into the House of Commons more than had been usual in great Councils who though of the weakest wings are the highest Flyers there arose a certain unfortunate and unfruitful Spirit in some places not sowing but picking at every stone in the field rather than tending to the geneâ—al harvest And thus far the consideration of the Nature of the Time hath transported me and the occasion of the subject Now on the other side I must with the like liberty observe two weighty and watchful Sollicitudes as I may call them which kept the Earl in extream and continual Cauâ—ion like a bow still bent whereof the Dukes thoughts were absolutely free First he was to wrestle with a Queens declining or rather with her very setting Age as we may term it which bâ—sides other respects is commonly even of it self the more umbratious and apprehensive as for the most part all Horizons are charged with certain vapours towards their evening The other was a matter of more Circumstance standing thus viz. All Princes especially those whom God hath not blessed with natural issue are by wisdome of State somewhat shie of their Successors and to speak with due Reverence there may be reasonably supposed in Queens Regnant a little proportion of tenderness that way more than in Kings Now there were in Couâ—t two names of Power and almost of Affection the Essexian and the Cecilian with their adherents both well enough enjoying the present and yet both looking to the future and therefore both holding correspondency with some of the principals in Sâ—otland and had râ—câ—ived advertisements and instructions either from them or immediately from the King as induciat Heir of thiâ— Iâ—perial Crown But lest they mighâ— detect one another this was mysteriously carried by several instruments and conducts and on the Essexian side in truth with infinite hazard For Sir Robert Cecil who as Secretary of State did dispose the publick Addresses had prompter and safer conveyance whereupon I cannot but relate a memorable passage on either part as the stâ—ry following shall declare The Eâ—rl of Essex had accommodated Master Anthony Bacon in parâ—ition of his house and had assigned him a noble entertainment This was a Gentleman of impotâ—nt feet but a nimble head and through his hand run all the intelligences with Scotland who being of a provident nature contrary to his brother the Lord Viscount Saint Albans and well knowing the advantage of a dangerous secret would many times cunningly let fall some words as if he could amend his Fortunes under the Cecilians to whom he was near of alliance and in blood also and who had made as he was not unwilling should be believed some great proffers to win him away which once or twice he pressed so far and with such tokens and signes of apparent discontent to my Lord Henry Howard afterwards Earl of Northampton who was of the party and stood himself in much Umbrage with the Queen that he flees presently to my Lord of Essex with whom he was commonly primae admissionis by his bed-side in the morning and tells him that unless that Gentleman were presently satisfied with some round sum all would be vented This took the Earl at that â—ime ill provided as indeed oftentimes his Coffers were low whereupon he was fain suddenly to give him Essex-house which the good old Lady Walsingham did afterwards dis-engage out of her own stoâ—e with 2500 pound and before he haâ— distilled 1500 pound at another time by the sâ—me skill So as we rate this one secrâ—t as it was finely carâ—ied at 4000 pounds in present money besides at the least 1000 pound of annual pâ—nsion to a private and bed-rid Gentleman What would he have gotten if he could have gone about his own business There was another accident of the same nature on the Cecilian side much more pleasant but less chargeable for it cost nothing but wit The Queen having for a good while not heard any thing from Scotland and being thiâ—sty of news it fell out that her Majesty going to take the air towards the heath â—he Couâ—t being then at Greenwich and Master Secretary Cecil then attending her a Post came crossing by and blew his Horn The Queen out of curiosity asked him from whence the Dispatch came and being answered from Scotland she stops her Coach and calleth for the Packet The Secretary though he knew there were some Letters in it from his Correspondents which to discover were as so many Serpents yet made more shew of diligence than of doubt to obey and asks some that stood by forsooth in great haste for a Knife to cut up the Packet for otherwise he might perhaps awakâ—d a little apprehension but in the mean time approaching with the Packet in his hand at a pretty distance from the Queen he telleth her it lookâ—d and smelt ill-favouredly coming out of a filâ—â—y Budget and that it should be fit first to open and air it because he knew she was averse from ill Scents And so being dismissed home he got leisure by thiâ— seasonable shift to sever what he would not have seen These two accidents precisely true and known to few I have reported as not altogether extravagant from my purpose to shew how the Earl stood in certain perplexities wherewith the Dukes days were not distracted And this hath been the Historical part as it were touching the difference between thâ—m in the rising and flowing of their fortunes I will now consider their several Endowments both of Person and Mind and then a little of their Actions and Ends. The Earl was a pretty deal the taller and much the stronger and of the abler body but the Duke had the neater limbs and free delivery he was also the uprighter and of the more comely motions for the Eâ—rl did bend a little in the neckâ— though rather forwards than downwards and he was so far from being a good Dancer that he was no graceful Goer If we touch particulars the Duke exceeded in the daintiness of his leg and foot and the Earl in the incomparable fairness and fine shape of his hands which though it be but feminine praise he took from his Father for the general Air the Earl had the closer and more reserved Countenance being by nature somewhat more cogitative and which was strange never more than at meals when others are least Insomuch as he was wont to make his observation of himsâ—lf that to solve any knotty â—usiness which cumbred his mind his ablest hours were when he had checked his first appetite with two or three morsels after which he sate usually for a good while silent yet he would play well and willingly at some games of greatest aâ—tentionâ— which shewed that when he listed he could license his thoughts The Duke on
the other side even in the midst of so many diversions had continually a very pleasant and vacant face as I may well call it proceeding no doubt from a singular assurance in his temper And yet I must here given him a rarer Elogie which the malignest eye cannot deny him That certainly never man in his place and power did entertain greatness more familiarly nor whose looks were less tainted with his felicity wherein I insist the rather because this in my judgement was one of his greatest Vertues and Victories of himself But to proceed in the attiring and ornament of their bodies the Duke had a fine and unaffected politeness and upon occasion costly as in his Legations The Earl as he grew more and more attentive to business and matter so less and less curious of cloathing insomuch as I do remember those about him had a conceit that possibly sometimes when he went up to the Queen he might scant know what he had on for this was his manner His Chamber being commonly stived with Friends or Suiâ—ers of one kinde or other when he gave his legs arms and breast to his ordinary servants to button and dress him with little heed his head and face to his Barbour his eyes to his letters anâ— ears to Petitioners and many times all at once then the Gentleman of his Robes throâ—ing a cloak over his shoulders he would make a step into his Closet and after a short prayer he was gone only in his Baths he was somewhat delicate For point of diet and luxury they were both inordinate in their appetites especially the Earl who was by nature of so different a taste that I must tell a rare thing of him though it be but a homely note that he would stop in the midst of any physical Potion and after he had licked his lips he would drink off the rest but I am weary of such slight Animad versions To come therefore to the inward furniture of their minds I will thus much declare The Earl was of good Erudition having been placed at study in Cambridge very young by the Lord Burleigh his Guardian with affectionate and deliberate care under the oversight of Doctor Whitgift then master of Trinity Colledge and after Archbishop of Canterbury A man by the way surely of a most reverend and sacred memory and as I may well say even of the Primitive temper when the Church in lowliness of temper did flourish in high examples which I have inserted as a due recordation of his vertues having been much obliged to him for many favours in my younger time About sixteen years of his age for thither he came at twelve he took the formality of master of Arts and kept his publick Acts. And here I must not smother what I have received by constant Information that his own Father dyed with a very cold conceit of him some say through the affection to his second son Walter Devereux who was indeed a diamond of the time and both of an hardy and delicate temper and mixture But it seemes this Earl like certain vegetables did â—â—d and open slowly Nature sometimes delighting to play an after-game as well as Fortune which had both their turnes and tides in course The Duke was Illiterate yet had learned at Court first to â—iâ—t and question well and to supply his own defects by the drawing or flowing unto him of the best Instruments of experience and knowledge from whom he had a sweet and attractive manner to suck what might be for the publick or his own proper use so as the less he was favoured by the Muses he was the more by the Graces To consider them in their pure Naturals I conceive the Earls Intellectuall faculties to have been his stronger part and in the Duke his Practical Yet all know that he likewise at the first was much under the expectation of his afterâ— proof such a sudden influence therein had the Soveraign aspect For their Abilities of discourse or pen the Earl was a very acute and sound speaker when he would intend it and for his Writings they are beyond example especially in his familiar Letters and things of delight at Court when he would admit his serious habits as may be yet seen in his Impresses and inventions of entertainment and above all in his darling piece of love and self-love his Stile was an elegant perspicuity rich of phrase but seldome any bold Metaphors and so far from Tumor that it rather wanted a little Elevation The Dukes delivery of his mind I conceive not to be so sharpe as solid and grave not so solid and deep as pertinent and apposite to the times and occasions The Earl I account the more liberal and the Duke the more magnificent for I do not remember that my Lord of Essex in all his life-time did build or adoâ—ne any house the Queen perchance spending his time and himself his meanes or otherwise inclining to popular ways for we know the people are apter to applaud hous-keepers than hous-raisers They were both great cherishers of Scholars and Divines but it seems the Earl had obtained of himself one singular point that he could depart his affection between two extreams for though he bare always a kind of filial reverence towards Dr. Whit gift both before and after he was Archbishop yet on the other side he did not a little love and tender Master Cartwright though I think truly with laâ—ge distinction between the persons and the Causes howsoever he was taxed with other ends in respecting that party They were both fair-spoken Gentlemen not prone and eager to detract openly from any man in this the Earl hath been most falsly blemished in our vulgar Story only against one man he had forsworn all patience namely Henry Lord Cobham and would call him per Excellentiam the Sycophant as if it had been an emblem of his name even to the Queen herself though of no small insinuation with her and one Lady likewise that I may civilly spare to nominate for her sex sake whom he used to terme the Spyder of the Court yet generally in the sensitive part of their Natures the Earl was the worse Philosopher being a great Resenter and a weak Dissembler of the least disgrace And herein likewise as in the rest no Good Pupill to my Lord of Leicester who was wont to put all his passions in his pocket In the growth of their Foâ—tunes the Duke was a little the swifter and much the greater for from a younger brothers mean estate he rose to the highest degree whereof a Subject was capable either in Title or Trust. Therein I must confess much more consortable to Charles Brandon under Henry the Eight who was equal to him in both For matter of Donative and addition of substance I do not believe that the Duke did much exceed him all considered under both Kings For that which the Earl of Essex had received from her Majesty besides the Fees of his Offices
and the disposition of great Summes of money in her Armies was about the time of his Arraignment when faults use to be aggravated with precedent benefits valued at three hundred thousand pounds sterling in pure gift for his onely use to the Earl of Dorset then Lord Treasurer who was a wise man and a strict Computist and not ill affected towards him And yet it is worthy of note in the Margent of both Times that the one was prosecuted with silence and the other with murmur so undoing a measure is popular judgement I cannot her omit between them a great difference in establishing of both their Fortunes and Fames For the first the Duke had a care to introduce into neer place at the Court divers of his confident Servants and into high places very sound and grave Personages Whereas except a Pensioner or two we can scant name any one man advanced of the Eâ—rls breeding but Sir Thomas Smith having been his Secretary who yet came never further though married into a noble house than to the Clerk of the Councell and Register of the Parliament not that the Eâ—rl meant to stand alone like a Substantive for he was not so ill a Grammarian in Court but the Truth is in this point the Cecilians kept him back as very well knowing that upon every little absence or disassiduity he should be subject to take cold at his back For the Other in managing of their Fames I noâ—e between them a direct contrary wisdome For the Earl proceeded by way of Apology which he wrote and dispersed with his own hands at large though till his going to Ireland they were but airy objections But of the Duke this I know that one havâ—ng offered for his ease to do him that kinde of Service He refused it with a pretty kinde of thankful scorn saying that he would trust his own good intentions which God knew and leave to him the pardoning of his Errours and that he saw no fruit of Apologies but the multiplying of discourse whâ—ch surely was a wel-setled Maxime And for my own particular though I am not obnoxious to his memory in the expression of Tacitus Neque injuria neque beneficia saâ—ing that he shewed me an ordinary good Countenance And if I were yet I would distinguish between Gratitude and Truth I must bear him this Testimony that in a Commission laid upon me by Soveraign Command to examine a Lady about a certain filthy accusation grounded upon nothing but a few-single names taken up by a Footman in a kennel and straight baptized A list of such as the Duke had appointed to be poysoned at home himself being then in Spain I found it to be the most malicious and frantick surmise and the most contrary to his nature that I think had ever been brewed from the beginning of the World howsoever countenanced by a Libellous Pamphlet of a fugitive Physician even in Print and yet of this would not the Duke fuffer any answer to be made on his behalf so constant he was to his own principles In their Military services the Characters of the Earls imployments were these viz. His forwardest was that of Portugal before mentioned The saddest that of Roan where he lost his brave Brother His fortunatest peice I esteem the taking of Cadiz Malez and no less modest for there he wrote with his own hands a censure of his Omissions His jealousest imployment was to the relief of Calais besieged by the Cardinal Arch-duke about which there passed then between the Queen and tâ—e French King much Aâ—t His Voiage to the Azores was the best for the discovery of the Spanish weakness and otherwise almost a saving Voiage His blackest was that to Ireland ordained to be the Sepulchre of his Father and the Gulph of his own Fortunes But the first in 88 at Tilbury-camp was in my judgement the very poyson of all that followed for there whilest the Queen stood in some doubt of a Spanish Invasion though it proved but a Morrice-dance upon our Waves she made him in Field Commander of the Cavalry as he was before in Court and much graced him openly in view of the Souldiers and people even above my Lord of Leicester the truth is from thenceforth he fed too fast The Dukes employment abroad in this nature was onely in the Action of the Isle of Reez of which I must note somewhat for the honour of our Country and of his Majesties times and of them that perished and survived and to redeem it generally from mis-understanding Therefore after enquiry amongst the wisest and most indifferent men of that Action I dare pronounce that all Circumstances pondered A tumultuary banding on our part with one thousand in the whole on theirs ready to receive us with two hundred horse with neer two thousand foot and watching their best time of advantage none of their foot discovered by us before nor so much as suspected and onely some of their Horse descried stragling but not in any bulk or body their Cavalry not a Troop of Eascoignors mounted in haste but the Greater part Gentlemen of Family and of pickt Resolution and such as charged home both in Front and on both Flanks into the very Sea about sixscore of their two hundred horse strewed upon the Sand and none of them but one killed with a great shot and after this their foot likewise coming on to charge till not liking the business they fell to flinging of stones and so walked away I say these things considered and laid together we have great reason to repute it a great impression upon an unknown place and a noble argument that upon occasion we have not lost our ancient vigour Only I could wish that the Duke who then in the animating of the souldiers shewed them very eminent assurance of his valour had afterwards remembred that rule of Apelles Manum de Tabula But he was greedy of honour and hot upon the publique ends and too câ—nfident in the prosperity of beginnings as somewhere Polybius hat great Critique of war observeth of young Leaders whom fortune hath not before deceived In this their military care and dispensation of reward and punishment there was very few remarkeable occasions under the Duke saving his continuall vigilancie and voluntary hazard of his person and kindnesses to the Souldiers both from his own Table and purse for there could be few disorders within an Island where the troops had no scope to disband and the Inferior Commanders were still in â—ight In the Earl we have two examples of his severityâ— the one in the Island Voyage where he threw a Souldier with his own hands out of a Ship the other in Ireland where he decimated certain troops that ran away renewing a peice of the Roman Discipline On the other side we have many of his Lenitie and one of his Facility when he did connive at the bold trespass of Sir Walter Raleigh who before his arrivall at Fyall had banded there against
his precise Commandment at which time he let fall a Noble word being pressed by one whose name I need not remember that at the least he would put him upon a Martial Court That I would do said he if he were not my friend And now I am drawing towards the last Act which was written in the Book of necessity At the Earls end I was abroad but when I came home though little was left for Writers to gleanâ— after Judges yet I spent some curiosity to search what it might be that could precipitate him into such a prodigious Catastrophe and I must according to my professed freedome deliver a circumstance or two of some weight in the truth of that story which was neither discovered at his arraignment nor after in any of his private Confessions There was amongst his nearest attendants one Henry Cuffe a man of secret ambitious ends of his own and of proportionate Councels smothered under the habit of a Scholar and slubbered over with a certain rude and clownish fashion that had the semblance of integrity This person not above five or six weeks before my Lords fatall irruption in the City was by the Earls special Command suddainly discharged from all further attendance or access unto him out of an inward displeasure then taken against his sharp and importune infusions and out of a glimmeâ—ing oversight that he would prove the very instrument of his Ruine I must adde hereunto that about the same time my Lord had received from the Countess of warwick a Lady powerful in the Court and indeed a vertuous user of her power the best advice that I think was ever given from either sex That when he was free from restraint he should closely take any out-lodging at Greenwicâ— and sometimes when the Queen went abroad in a good humour whereof she would give him notice he should come forth and humble himself before her in the field This Counsel sunk much into him and for some days he resolved it but in the mean time through the intercession of the Earl of Southampton whom Cuffe had gained he was restored to my Lords ear and so working advantage upon his disgraces and upon the vain foundation of Vulgar breath which hurts many good men spun out the final distruction of his master and himself and almost of his restorer if his pardon had not been won by inches True it is that the Earl in Westminster-hall did in generall disclose the evill perswasions of this man but the particulars which I have related by this dismission and restitution he buried in his own breast for some reasons apparent enough Indeed as I conjecture not to â—xasperate the Case of my Lord of Southampton though he might therewith a little peradventure have mollified his own The whole and true Report I had by infallible meanes from the person himself that both brought the advice from the aforesaid excellent Lady and carried the discharge to Cuffe who in a private Chamber was strucken therewith into a Sound almost dead to the Earth as if he had fallen from some high steeple such Turrets of hope he had built in his own fancy Touching the Dukes suddain period how others have represented it unto their Fancies I cannot determine for my part I must confess from my soul that I never recall it to minde without a deep and double astonishment of my discourse and reason First of the very horrour and atrocity of the Fact in a Christian Court under so moderate a Government but much more at the impudencie of the pretence whereby a desperate discontented Assassinate would after the perpâ—tration have honested a meere private revenge as by precedent Circumstances is evident enough with I know not what publick respects and would fain have given it a Parliamentary cover howsoever Thus these two great Peers were dis-roabed of their Glory the one by judgement the other by violence which was the small distinct on Now after this short contemplation of their diversities for much more might have been spoken but that I was fitter for Rhapsody than commentary I am lastly desirous to take a Summary view of their Conformities which I verily believe will be found as many though perchance heeded by few as are extant in any of the ancient Parallel They both slept long in the arms of Fortune They were both of ancient blood and of Forraign extraction They were both of straiâ— and goodly stature and of able and active bodies They weâ—e both industrious and assiduous and attentive to their ends They were both early Privie-Counsellours and employed at home in the secretest and weightiest affairs in Court and State They were both likewise Commanders abroad in Chief as well by sea as by land both Masters of the â—orse at home both chosen Chancellours of the same University namely Cambridge They were both indubitable strong and high-minded men yet of sweet and accostable nature almost equally delighting in the press and aâ—fluence of Dependance and Suiters which are always the Burres and sometimes the Bâ—ieâ—s of Favourites They were both married to very vertuous Ladies and sole Heirs and left issue of either Sex and both their Wives converted to contrary Religions They were both in themselves rare and excellent examples of Temperance and Sobriety but neither of them of Conâ—inency Lastly after they had been boâ—h subject as well Greatness and Splendor is to certain oâ—â—â—quise of their actions They both concluded their earthly felicity in unnaturall ends and wiâ—h nâ— great distance of time in the space either of Life or Favour Observations on the Life of Sir Jâ—ffery Fenton SIr Ieffery Fenton born in Nottinghamshire was for twenty â—even years Privy-Counsellour in Ireland to Queen Elizabeth and King Iames â— He translated the History of Francis Guâ—â—â—iardine out of Italian inâ—o English and dedicated it to Queen Elizabeth He deceased at Dubliâ— October 19. 1608 and lyeth bâ—ried in St. Patrickâ— Church under the same Tomb with his Father-in-Law Dâ—ctor Robert Weston sometimes Chancellour of Ireland It is an happy age when great mâ—n do what wise men may write an happier when wise men write what great have done the happiest of all when the same men act and wâ—ite being Histories and composing them too For these men having a neererâ— and more thorow-insight to the great subjects of Annals than men of more distant capacities and fortunes are the only persons that have given the world the right noâ—ion of Transactions when men of lower and more pedanâ—ique spirits trouble it only with more Hâ—avy Romances Give me the actions of a Prince transcribed by those Historians who could be instruments The best History in the world is Caesar's Commentaries written by him and translated by Edmonds with the same spirit that they were acted Xenophon and Thucydides whose pens copied their Narratives from their Swords Tacitus Malvâ—zzi Machiavel Comines Moor Bacon Herbert and Burleigh who writ the affairs of former Ages with the same judgement that they managed those
infensible diseases as Apoplexies whose vapors suddainly extinguish the animal spirits and Aposthumes both in the upper and middle Region of man that often drown and suffocate both the animal and vital who are like embodied Twins the one cannot subsist without the other If the animal wits fail the vital cannot subsist if the vitals perish the animals give over their operation and he that judgeth ill of such an act of Providence may have the same hand at the same time writing within the Palace-walls of his own body the same period to his lives Earthly â—â—pire His posterity refused an Apology offered in his behalf upon this ground that the things objected to him were of the number of those little Cavils which come with that rule not holding in great accusations Spreta exolescunt sâ— irascare agnita videntur The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth THE STATES-MEN and FAVOURITES OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of King Iames. Observations on the Lives of the Cliffords Earls of Cumberland THE name hath been for three Ages ancient and Noble and in this last Age Warlike and serviceable They had the government of the Nâ—rth in their own right for an hundred years and the Hereditary Sheriff-dom of Westmoâ—land in right of the Vipâ—nts their Relations for two Henry the first Earl of Cumberland was raised by Henry the Eighth to that Honour 1525 for his service at Teurnay and Berwick Henry his son was by Queen Mary honoured with the Garteâ— for his conduct against Wyat and by Queen Eâ—iz graced with peculiar favours for his Industry Integrity and Vigilance in the North. As Natuâ—e â—o Nobility subsists and growes by the same thing that it is made of Vertue that creates supports it Observations on the Life of the Lord George Clifford GEorge Cliffâ—rd Lord Clifford Vescye c. Earl of Cumberland was son to Henry second Earl of that Family by his second Lady a person wholly composed of true honour and valour whereof he gave the world a large and clear demonstration It was resolved by the judicious in that Age The way to humble the Spanish greatness was not in pinching and pricking of him in the Low-Countries which only emptied his veins of such blood as was quickly re-filled But the way to make it a Cripple for ever was by cutting off the Spanish sinews of War his Monies from the West-Indies the back-door robs the house In order whereunto this Earl set forth a small Fleet on his own cost and adventured his own person therein being the best born Englishman that ever hazarded himself in that kinde His Fleet may be said to be bound for no other Harbour but the Port of Honour though touching at the Port of Profit in passage thereunto I say touching whose design was not to enrich himself but impoverish the Enemy He was as merciful as valiant the best metal bends best and left impressions of both in all places where he came Queen Eliz. Anno 1592. honoured him with the dignity of the Garter When King Iames came first out of Scotland to York he attended him with such an equipage of Followers for number and habit that he seemed rather a King than Earl of Cumberland Here happened a Contest between the Earl and the Lord President of the North about carrying the Sword before the King in York which Office upon due search and enquiry was adjudged to the Earl as belonging unto him and whilest Clifford's Tower is standing in York that Family will never be therein forgotten His Anagram was as really as literally true Georgius Cliffordius Cumberlandius Davidis regno clarus cum vi fulgebis He died Anno 1605. leaving one Daughter and Heir the Lady Anne married to the Earl of Dorset This noble person taught the world however others speak at pleasure jussit quod splendida bilis That the Art of making War hath not a positive form and that it ought to be diversified according to the state of Occurrences They that will commit nothing to Fortune nor undertake any Enterprize whose event appeareth not infallible escape many dangers by their wary conduct but fail of as many successes by their unactive fearfulness It 's useless to be too wise and spend that time in a grave gaze on business that might serve the speedy dispatch of it Neither was our Peer great onely in the atchievements of the Field to please higher spirits but gaudy at Court to astonish and ravish the lowest making noble expences when necessary and appearing splendid on the important occasions whose principal quality resided in Magnificence Yet was he not transported with these appearances or to make them the greatest ornament of his conduct the choicest expressions of his life fixing neither his greatness upon a transitory Pageant nor his glory upon a fading Pomp. No sullen opposer of the unavoidable occurrences of life but a dexterous complier with present exigencies comparing those that swelled doggedly against Providence or the present state of affairs to King Canutus who forbad the unobservant waves of the Sea to flow no higher and they that repined at and spoke against it to Xerxes who whipped the Hellespont Observations on the Life of Sir Tho-Smith SIr Thomas Smith was born at Abington in Bark-shire bred in the University of Oxford God and himself raised him to the Eminency he attained unto unbefriended with any extraction He may seem to have had an ingenious emulation of Sir Thomas Smith Senior Secretary of State whom he imitated in many good qualities and had no doubt equalledâ—in preferment if not prevented by death He attained onely to be Master of the Requests and Secretary to King Iames for his Latine Letters higher places expecting him when a period was put at once to his life and to his hopes Novemb. 28. 1609. The generous piety of the honourable Countess of Exeter having erected him one Monument at Fulham his own worth another in History His Father died when he was yet so young that he knew not what a Father meant but his Mothers affection for her Husband dyed not with him whereupon she multiplyed her cares on this Gentleman and her other Children so abundantly that a long while he little found the want of that dear name her transcendent love so well supplying the place of both relations For no sooner was he fit to learn than she did by friends procure the best Mâ—sters those Times afforded to render his education perfeâ—t in those exercises as well of the mind as of the body wherein they that flattered him not would say he was no ill Proficient such majesty such modesty in his carriage that men would admire how two such distant things could meet in one subject His eye was quick and piercing his shape and motion charming the air and lineaments of his countenance lively arguments that his soul was not inferiour to his body but that the one promised no more
And satisfie the world leisurely by his Vertues and not awe it rashly by his power which got him even in that time St. Gregories Encomium That he was the first bad and the last good Treasurer since Queen Elizabeth's Reign I shall never forget his or his Fathers discourse with Claud Grollart primier President of Roan about the troubles in France wherein he advisâ—d him to stick fast to the King though he saw difficulties For it was his Maxime That Kings are like the Sun and Vsurpers like falling-Stars For the Sun though it be â—ffuscated and eclipsed with Mists and clouds at length they are dispersed where the others are but the figures of Stars in the eyes of view and prove no more but Exhalations which suddainly dissolve and fall to the earth where they are consumed A discourse which events there and elsewhere made an Oracle Observations on the Life of the Lord Howard of Effingham Earl of Nottingham THe Lord Howard of Effingham a man of most approved fidelity and invincible courage and Governour of Callice though a Courtier betimes yet seemed not to be in favour before the Queen made him high Admiral of England For his extract it may suffice that he was the son of a Howard and of a Duke of Norfolk As for his person he was as goodly a Gentleman as the times could afford he was one whom the Queen desired to honour who at his return from Cadiz accounts was created Earl of Nâ—ttingham He was a good honest and a brave man and a faithful servant to his Mistress and such a one as the Queen out of her own Princely judgement knew to be a fit Instrument for the Admiral 's service having a great opinion of his fidelity and â—onduct And though his death was not honoured with much wealth yet was it grac'd with the reputation of honesty Hs was raâ—sed to check Essex his ambition and Leicesterâ—s undermining being equally popular and honest yet having those at his heels that could lay a snare and bring in the prize Nature was a better friend to him than Fortune and his Integrity than both which commended him to a Mistress that understood Men as well as Books and knew it was no less the interest of Princes to take counsel concerning Persons than concerning matters He had that goodness without which man is a busie mischievous and wretched thing yet that wisdom whereby he was not so good as the Italian saith as to be good for nothing He was gentle but not easie mild but not soft obliging not the fancies of men but their Interest None more civil to Strangers his heart being not a narrow Island as my Lord Bacon observes but a large Continent None more tender of Inferiours none more humble to Superiours none more compassionate to the afflicted none more loving to or more beloved of all The Queen said she trusted her Kingdom to his faithfulness in 88. and her self to his conduct His alliance to the Queen brought him to Court but his honesty kept him there when jealousie had overcast that great house of the Howards ancient Nobility was a good recommendation to the Qâ— first Favours but modesty submission and integrity were the Vertues that continued them He had onely so much Ambition as rendred him active and serviceable and not busie or dangerous He knew a Nobleman cannot be safely aspiring nor smooth man securely popular and a man of his Retinue must not be busie He lived in an age when all honour was perillous that was not designed for service when the State chose Ministers that were more sensible of duty than of rising that loved business rather upon conscience than upon bravery and when the Prince discerned a busie nature from a willing mind as the stone had need be rich that is set without foyl so this noble person that was only real had need of great parts of vertue So valiant he was that he made the Spanish Fleet veil to him though it carried the Empress of Germany so active that he tugged at the Cablâ— himself in 88. and did much by his own pains and more by his example so skilful that he contrived the Fire-ships that frighted and scattered the Spanish Navy Two eminent services he did the Protestant Religion when but twenty one years of age The first is that he was so observant a witness of Arch-Bishop Parker's consecration that with his bare word the tale of the Nags head came to nothing 2. That he was so close an Agent in the Court of France that no Design was brewed in Scotland none seconded in France but he with the Emperour and the King of Spain's Embassadors assistance whom he had engaged with the hope of a Match between the King of the Romans and his Mistriss discovered and defeated with that success that the King of France courted his Mistriss to a Peace and himself to Favour None more careful in matter of Business none more splendid in business of Complement condoling King Francis his death with a Majesty no less becoming the Personage he represented than the Prince he addressed himself to 1. His providence in contriving the English Ships nimble and such as could tack about at pleasure 2. His prudence in not hazarding his weak Navy against the Spanish Army and Armado in an Engagement wherein a victory would be but a little glory and a defeat a ruine 3. His activity in alarming the Spanish Navy day and night 4. His wisdome in honouring the most serviceable under him as Hawkins Forbisher Sheffield c. 5. His popularity that drew so many Voluntiers to his service as the Earls of Oxford Northumberland Cumberland the Cecils c. 6. His wariness in dividing his fourteen Sail into four squadrons round about the Spanish Navy 7. His excelleâ—t contrivance of eight Ships filled with pitch wild-fire rosin c. which sent down the wind in the dead of night so much to the terrour of the Spaniards that fearing the Fire together with some more deadly Engines they raised a pitiful cry weighed Anchor cut their Cables and in a terrible pannick Fear with great hast and confusion put to Sea 8. His admirable dexterity in disposing of the Navy so as they met the Spanish Navy upon their dispersion with suâ—h success that the invincible Fleet never saw again its own formidableness ever since grown the most contemptible thing that ever sailed upon these Seas 9. His seasonable order to the Dutch Fleet to watch the Duke of Parma in the Ports of Dunkirk and Newport 10. His exact intelligence whereby he understood what a Controversie there was in the Spanish Navy about this point whether they should stick to their Commission in staying for Parma which was their duty or follow the emergent advantages which had been their discretion and dealt with them accordingly These grand particulars of this Noble-man's service were so eminent and signal that Queen Elizabeth who was over-lavish neither of her honour nor her preferments would
of civility when by King Iames made Lord Deputy of Ireland Indeed good Laws and Provisions had been made by his Predecessors to that purpose but alas they were like good Lessons set for a Lute out of tune useless until the Instrument was fitted for them Wherefore in order to the civilizing of the Irishry in the first year of his government he established two new Circuits for Justices of Assize the one in Connaught the other in Mâ—nster And whereas the Circuits in former times only encompassed the English Pale as the Cynosura doth the Polâ— hence forwards like good Planeâ—s in their several Spheres they carried the influence of Justice round about the Kingdom Yea in short time Ireland was so cleared of Thieves and capital Offenders that so many Malefactors have not been found in the 32 Shires of Ireland as in six English Shires in the Western Circuits He reduced the Mountains and Glinnes on the Soâ—th of Dublin formerly thornes in the side of the English pale into the County of Wicklow and in conformity to the English 〈◊〉 om many Irish began to cut their Mantles into Cloaks So observant was his eye over the actions of suspected persons that Tyrone was heard to complain That he could not drink a full carouse of Sack but the Sâ—ate within few hours was advertised thereof After he had been continued many years in his Deputyship and deservedly made a Lord King Iâ—mes recalled him home and loath to leave his Abilities unemployed sent him Embassador to the Emperour and other German Princes Being â—eâ—ieged in the City of Mainchine a place much indebted to his prudence for seasonable victualling it by Count Tilley he sent him word that it was against the Law of Nations to besiege an Embassador Tilley returned that he took no notice that he was an Embasâ—adâ—t The Lord Chichester replyed to the Messenger Had my Master sent me with as many hundred men as he hath sent me on fruitless Mâ—ssâ—ges your General should have known that I had â—â—en â— Soâ—dier â—as well as an Embassador King Iâ—mes â— at his return entertained him with great commendations for so well dischaâ—ging his Trust and he died in as great honour as any English-man of our Age. Thus far the Historians Whence I observe him stout in his nature above any disorder upon Emergencies resolved in his temper above any impressions from other Princes and high in his Proposal beyond the expectation of his own Alvâ—rgonzoto el Diablo le traxo al Palacio The Devil brought the Bashful to Court where none succeeds but he who can ask enough to be granted and enough to be abated There is a memorable observation of Philip the second King of Spain called El prudente That when 〈◊〉 had designed one for Embassador the man came faintly and coldly to him to propose some things for the accommodation of his Embassie and he said How can I expect that this man can promote and effectuate my business when he is so faint and fearful in the solicitation of his own Yet was not my Lord Chichester more resolute in Germany than wary in Ireland where his opinion was that time must open and facilitate things for Reformation of Religion by the Protestant Plantations by the care of good Bishops and Divines the amplification of the Colledge the education of Wards an insensible seisure of Popish liberties c. and that the Council there was so numerous fifty or sixty at least that the authority of it was debated and its business divulged In a word this brave Gentleman had an equal mind that kept up it self between the discourses of Reason and the examples of Histories in the enjoyment of a good fortune and a conflict with a bad Observations on the Life of the Lord Chancellor Egerton THe Lord Chancellour Egerton extracted from the ancient Family of the Egerton's of Kidley in Cheshire was bred in the study of the Municipal Laws of our Land wherein he attained to such eminency that Queen Elizabeth made him her Solicitor then Master of the Rolls and at last Keeper of the Great Seal May 6. in the 38 year of her Reign 1596. Olaus Magnuâ— reporteth that the Emperour of Moscovia at the Audience of Ambassadors sendeâ—h for the gravest and seemliest men in Mosco and the Vicinage whom he apparelleth in rich Vests and placing them in his presence pretendeth to Forâ—aigners that these are of his Privy-Council who cannot but be much affected with so many reverent Aspects But surely all Christendome afforded not a peâ—son which carried more gravity in his countenance and behaviour than Sir Thomas Egerton insomuch that many have gone to the Chancery on purpose only to see his venerable Garb happy they who had no other business and were highly pleased at so acceptable a spectacle Yet was his outward Case nothing in comparison of his inward Abilities quick Wit solid Judgement ready Utterance I confess Master Cambden saith he entred his Office Magna expectatione integritatis opinione with a great expectation and opinion of Integrity But no doubt had he revised his work in a second Edition he would have afforded him a full-faced commendation when this Lord had turned his expectation to performance In the first of King Iames of Lord Keeper he was made Lord Chancellor which is also another name for the same Office and on Thursday the seventh of November 1616. of Lord Elismer he was created Viscount Brackley It is given to Courts whose Jurisdictions do border to fall out about their bounds and the contest betwixt them is the hotter the higher the spirits and parts of the respective Judges Great was the contention for many years together betwixt this Lord of Equity and Sir Edward Câ—â—ke the Oracle of Justice at Westminster-Hall I know not which of them got the better sure I am such another Contest would if this did not have undone the Conqueror He was attended on with servants of most able parts and was the sole Chancellor since the Reformation who had a Chaplain which though not immediately succeeded him in his place Hâ— gave over his Office which â—he held full twenty years some few days before his death and by his own appointment his body was brought down and buried at Duddleston in Cheshire leaving a fair estate to his Son who was afterwards created Earl of Bridgewater as he did to his excellent Son now living When he saw King Iames his munificence to some Courtiers with the grave Fidelity of a Statesman he sticked not often to tell him That as he held it necessary for his Majesty amply to remâ—nerate all those his Countrey-men so he desired him carefully to preserve his Crown lands for his own support seeing he or his Successors might meet with Parliaments which would not supply his occasions but on such conditions as would not be very acceptable unto him It was an ordinary speech in his mouth to say Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. His plain but honest
of Count Arundel's without the Assignation of any proper Place unto him King Iames had heard sâ— much of the Father that he did not care for the Son who might have been near his Person had not his Ancestors been so near â—his Predecessors no other Considerations being likely to keep so extraordinary parts at this distance from a King that valued them so highly or a Kingdom that needed them so much That Prince being as jealous an observer of Original sin in Policy as he was an Orthodox Assertor of it in Religion would trust no tainted bloâ—d He writ an excellent discourse of Religion as the blind Senator in Juvenal made a large Encomium of the goodly Turbet which lay before Caesar but as ill luck would have it turned himself quite the contrary way at illi dâ—xtra jâ—câ—bat bellua a man right of Chrysippus his temper who sometimes wanted Opinions but never Arguments which he managed all ways with contempt of and opposition to the School-way which going the distinctest way to stateâ— went the nearest way to end controversies but was slighted by him as unintelligible because it had been passed by him as unstudied as the old Woman in Seneca complained that the Room was dark when only her Eyes were so and his new 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein he made his private and crazy judgment the Standard and Seal of common truth took a little with mens first thoughts but lost themselves with their wiser and second like the Log in the Fable which terrified the poor Frogs with the noise it made at the first falling of it into the waters but afterwards they insulted over it and took their turns to leap upon it When I consider Metiochus his cariage in Plutarc and Sir Robert's Character in Florence haec a se non multum abludit imago Metiochus is Captain Metiochus is Surveyor Metiochus bakes the Bread Metiochus grinds the Corn Metiochus doth all right one of AEsop's fellows that could say and do all things so that others need say and do nothing a very happy man if while living he had deserved the Character idle Vaccia had when dead Hîc situs est Vaccia here lyeth Vaccia Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Bancroft DOctor Richard Bancroft whom his Adversaries character a better States-man than Divine a better Divine than Preacher though upon good occasion he shewed he was all these was bred in Iesus Colledge in Cambridge where his parts in discovering the bottom of Presbytery and his sufficiency when his Patron Hatton's Examiner commended him to Queen Eliz. to be Bishop of London and to King Iames to be Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Indeed he was in effect Arch-Bishop while Bishop to whom Doctor Whitgift in his decrepit age remitted the managing of matters so that he was the soul of the High-Commission A great States-man he was and grand Champion of Church-discipline having well hardned the hands of his Soul which was no more than needed for him who was to meddle with Nettles and Bryars and met with much opposition No wonder if those who were silenced by him in the Church were loud against him in other places David speaketh of poyson under mens lips This Bishop tasted plentifully thereof from the mouths of his Enemies till at last as Mithridates he was so habited to poisons that they became food unto him Once a Gentleman coming to visit him presented him a Libel which he found pasted on his door who being nothing moved thereat said Cast it to an hundred more which lye here on a hâ—ap in my Chamber Many a Libel Lye because false Bell because loud was made upon him The aspersion of covetousness though cast doth not stick on his memory being confuted by the Estate which he left small in proportion to his great preferment being but 6000 l. after being above twelve years in London and Canterbury He cancelled his first Will wherein he had bequeathed much to the Church suspecting an impression of popular violence on Cathedrals and fearing an Alienation of what was bequeathed unto them he thought fit to cancel his own to prevent others cancelling his Testament This partly appears by his second Will wherein he gave the Library at Lambeth the result of his own and three Predecessors collections to the University of Cambridge which now they possess in case the Arch-Episcopal See should be extinct How came such a jealousie into his mind what fear of a storm when the Sun shined the Sky clear no appearance of Clouds Surely his skill was more than ordinary in the complexion of the Common-wealth who did foresee what afterward for a time came to pass This clause providentially inserted secured this Library in Cambridge during the vacancy of the Archi-Episcopal see and so prevented the embezelling at the least the dismembring thereof in our late civil distempers They that accuse this excellent Prelate of cruelty never read this story A Ministeâ— privately protested to him that it went against his conscience to conform Which way said the good Arch-Bishop observing the mans ingenuity will you live if you be put out of your Benefice The other answered He had no other way but to gâ— a begging Not so said the Arch-bishop that you shall not need to do but come to me and I will take order for your maintenance They that exclaimed against his unserviceableness never observed this passage A company of young Courtiers appeared extraordinary gallant at a Tilting far above their Fortunes and Estates giving for their Motto Solvat Ecclesia Bishop Bancroft then of London hearing of it finds on enquiry that the Queen was passing a considerable parcel of Church-lands to them and stops the business with his own and his friends Interest leaving these Gallants to pay the shot of their pride and prodigality out of their own purses And this that a prevalent Courtier had swallowed up the whole Bishoprick of Durham had not this Arch-Bishop seasonably interposed his power with King Iames ready enough to admit such Intercessions and dashed the design They that traduce him for a Papist forget that he fomented the difference between the Seculars and Regulars to the weakning and promoted the foundation of Chelsey-Colledge to the ruining of that cause But they that perform great actions reserving as it is fit the reason of them in their own bosomes may sufficiently satisfie their Consciences towards God though they can hardly avoid the censures of men I shall add no more concerning this excellent Prelate but that it was observed as the Historian writes That at Hampton-Court-Conference Arch-Bishop Whitgift spake most gravely Bishop Bilson most learnedly but Bishop Bancroft when out of passiâ—n most politickly Observations on the Life of the Lord Grandison SIr Oliver Saint-Iohn Lord Grandison c. descended of an ancient and honourable Family whose prime Seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in Wiltshire though their first settlement was in South-Wales He was bred in the Wars from his youth and at last by King Iames
sufficient credit To which they assure him That one Sarah Swarton their Chamberesse stood behind the Hanging at the entrance of the Room and heard the Countess read over what she had writ and her also they procure to swear unto this before the King To make further tryal the King in a hunting journey at New-park near Wimbleton gallops thither views the Rooâ—â— observing the great distance of the Window from the lower end of the Room and placing himself behind the Hanging and so other Lords in turn they could not hear one speak loud from the window Then the Housekeeper was call'd who protested those Hangings had constantly furnisht that Room for thirty years which the King observed to be two foot short of the ground and might discover the woman if hidden behind them I may present also the King saying Oaths cannot confound my sight Besides all this the Mother and Daughter connterfeit another Writing a Confession of one Luke Hutton acknowledging for 40 pound annuity the Countess hired him to poison them which Man with wonderful providence was found out privately and denies it to the King And thus prepared the King sends for Sir Thomas Lake whom indeed he very much valued tells him the danger to imbarque himself in this Quarrel advising him to leave them to the Law being now ready for the Star-Chamber He humbly thanked his Majesty but could not refuse to be a Father and a Husband and so puts his Name with theirs in a cross Bill which at the hearing took up five several days the King sitting in Iudgment But the former testimonies and some private confessions of the Lady Rosse and Sarah Wharton which the King kept in private from publick proceedings made the Cause for some of the days of Tryal appear doubtful to the Court until the Kings discovery which concluded the Sentence and was pronounced in several Censures Sir Thomas Lake and his Lady fined ten thousand pounds to the King five thousand pounds to the Countess fifty pounds to Hutton Sarah Wharton to be whipt at a Carts tail about the streets and to do penance at St. Martin's Church The Lady Râ—sse for confessing the truth and plot in the midst of the Tryal was pardoned by the Major Voices from penal Sentence The King I remember compared their Crimes to the first plot of the first sin in Paradise the Lady Lake to the Serpent her Daughter unto Eve and Sir Thomas to poor Adam whom he thought in his conscience that his love to his Wife had beguiled him I am sure he paid for all which as he told me cost him thirty thousand pounds and the loss of his Masters favour and Offices of gain and honour but truely with much pity and compassion of the Court. Obsâ—rvations on the Life of the Earl of Suffolk HIs Uncle Northampton negotiated his preferment and his Father Noâ—folke deserved i◠〈◊〉 whose sake the eldest Son Philip Earl of Arâ—â—â—â—l was â—â—de Lord Marsâ—al and this second first Câ—â—mberlain and then Treasurer wherein as the Earl of Middlesex understood well the priviledges of the City so my Lord kenned well the Revenues of the Crown But his fair Daughter that gained him most favour did him most harm he falling with his Son Somerset's miscarriages when he might have stood without his Relation being as plain as his brother Henry was subtle as obliging as he was insinuating as knowing as he was cunning the one conversing with Books the other with Men. A Gentleman from whom I requested his Character returns me no more but this He was a man never endued with much patience and one that much retarded the progress of his fortune by often speaking publickly with too much liberty Otherwise very true to the Maximes of his Age. 1. Linking himself to the Scots 2. Buying Fee-Farm Rents to avoid envy as my Lord of Salisbury before him in the Scots Debenturers names 3. Promoting Northern Suits And 4. projecting for money He was also Chancellor of Cambridge loving and beloved of the University When at his first coming to Cambridge Mr. Francis Nethersole Oratour of the University made a Latine Speech unto him the Lord returned Though I understand not Latine I know the sense of your Oration is to tell me that I am welcome to you which I believe verily I thank you for it heartily and will serve you faithfully in any thing within my power Dr. Harsenet the Vice Chancellor laying hold on the handle of so fair a Proffer requested him to be pleased to entertain the King at Cambridge a favour which the University could never compass from their former great and wealthy Chancellours I will do it saith the Lord in the best manner I may and with the speediest conveniency Nor was he worse than his word giving his Majesty such a Treatment in the University as cost him five thousand pounds and upwards Hence it was that after his death Thomas his second son Earl of Bark-shire not suing for it nor knowing of it was chosen to succeed him losing the place as some suspected not for lack of Voices but fair counting them Observations on the Life of Sir Robâ— Cary. HE was born an ingenious man of good parts and breeding but of so uncourtly a temper that in all likelihood we had not heard of him had he not had the luck to have been the first Messenger let out of the Court by the favour of his Father the Lord Chamberlain to bring King Iames news that Queen Elizabeth was dead when the Scots expectation was so tyred that they thought Queen Eliz. would never dye as long as there was an old woman that could either wear good cloaths or eat good meat in England Upon which good account he is a Bed-chamber-man to King Iames and a Tutor to Prince Charles though he had made better use of his Talent as a Soldier than as a Courtier having too much of the Candor of that Family that as the Historian observed spake of things alwayes as they deserved And though he had wit enough yet he had not the judgment or way to make those stand in awe of him who were mâ—st obliged to him Observations on the Lives of Sir Robert Naunton and Sir Francis Nethersole SIr Robert Naunton is the Author of one Book of Observations upon the States-men of Queen Eliz. times and must be the subject of another of King Iames's He noted then in his youth what he was to practice afterwards in his more reduced years His University-Studies at Trinity-Colledge whereof he was Commoner and at Trinity-Hall whereof he was Fellow His Speeches both while Proctor and Orator of Cambridge discovered him more inclined to publick Accomplishments than private Studies He improved the opportunity of the speech he was to make before K. Iames at Hiâ—chinbrook so well that as His Majesty was highly affected with his Latine and Learning so he exactly observed his prudence and serviceableness whereupon he came to Court as Sir Thomas Overburies Assistant first and
or grievous courses insulting over no offender but carrying it decently and compassionately to the person of the offender when most severe against the offence His Religion was rational and sober his spirit publick his love to Relations tender to Friends faithful to the hopeful liberal to men univerfal to his very Enemies civil He lest the best pattern of Government in his actions under one King and the best principles of it in the Life of the other His Essays and History made him the admiration of polite Italy his Accomplishments the wonder of France Monsieur Fiat the French Ambassador who called him Father saying to him after an earnest desire to see him That he was an Angel to him of whom he had heard much but never saw him Solid less dissipable and juicy Meat was his Diet and Rhubarb infused in Wine before meat his Physick four hours in the morning he made his own not by any means to be interrupted business was his fate retyrement his inclination Socrates brought Morality from Discourse to Practice and my Lord Bacon brought Philosophy from Speculation to Experience Aristotâ—e whom he disliked at 16 years of age not for his person for he valued him highly but his way which bred disputations but not useful things for the benefit of the life of man continuing in that judgment to his dying day he said taught many to dispute more to wrangle few to find out Truth none to manage it according to his principles My Lord Bacon was a man singular in every faculty and eminent in all His Judgment was solid yet his memory was a wonder his Wit was quick yet his Reason slaid His Invention was happy yet methodical and one fault he had that he was above the age he lived in above it in his bounties to such as brought him Presents so remembring that he had been Lord-Chancellor that he forgot he was but Lord Verulam Great his understanding his knowledge was not from Books though he read much but from grounds and notions in himself which he vented with great caution Dr. Rawley attesting that he saw twelve Copies of the Instauratio Magna revised and amended year by year till it was published and great his mind too above it in his kindness to servants to whom he had been a better Master if he had been a worse and more kind if he had been less indulgent to them Persons of Quality courted his Service For the first of his Excesses K. Iames jeered him in his progress to New-market saying when he heard he gave ten pounds to one that brought him some Fruit My Lord my Lord this is the way to Beggars-bush For the second he reflected upon himself when he said to his servants as they rose to him in his Hall Your rise hath been my fall Though indeed he rather trusted to their honesty than connived at their falshood for he did impartial Justice commonly to both parties when one servant was in fee with the Plaintiff and the other with the Defendant How well he understood his own time his Letters and complyances evidence than whom none higher in spirit yet none humbler in his Addresses The proudest man is most servile How little he valued wealth appeareth in that when his servants would take money from his Closet even while he was by he would laugh and say I poor men that is their portion How well he kenned the art of Converse his Essayes discover a piece as he observed himself that of all his Works was most current for that they come home to mens business and bosomes How far skilled in the Art of Government the Felicities of Queen Elizabeth written by him in Latine ordered by his last Will to be Printed so but published in English in his resuscitatio by his Amanuensis Dr. Rawley his H. 7. War with Spain Holy War Elements of the Law irrefragably demonstrate and how well seen in all Learning his Natural History and Advancement of Learning answerably argue In a word how sufficient he was may be conjectured from this instance that he had the contrivance of all King Iames his Designs until the Match with Spain and that he gave those Directions to a great Statesman which may be his Character and our conclusion Only be it observed that though this peerless Lord is much admired by English-men yet is he more valued by Strangers distance as the Historian hath it diminishing his faults to Forreigners while we behold his perfections abated with his failings which set him as much below pity as his Place did once above it Sir Iulius Caesar they say looking upon him as a burden in his Family and the Lord Brook denying him a bottle of small beer Though in a Letter to King Iames he thanks him for being that Master to him that had raised and advanced him sâ—x times in Office i.e. Councel learned extraordinary Solicitor and Attorney General Lord Keeper and Chancellor Knight-Lord Verulam Viscount St. Aâ—ban's with 1800 l. a yâ—ar out of the broad Zeal and Alienation Offâ—ce to his dying day most of which he allowed to his Wife towards whom he was very bountiful in gifts bestowing on her a Robe of honour which she wore while she lived which was above twenty years after his death His Religion was like a Philosophers rational and well grounded as appears by his confession of faith composed many years before his death an instance of the truth of his own observation that a little Philosophy maketh men apâ— to forget God as attributing too much to second causes but depth of Philosophy bringeth a man back again to God he being constant at the publick Prayers frequent at the Sermons and Sacraments of the Church of England in whose Communion he dyed of a gentle Feaver accompanied with a choaking defluxion and cold April 9. being Easter-day 1626. 66th year of his age in the Earl of Arundel's house at High-gate near London being Buried according to his Will at St. Michael's Church in St. Alban's the onely Church in old Verulam near his Mother â—nder a white Marble â—et up by Sir Tho. Meauty Secretary to his Lordship and Clerk of the Councel to King Iames and King Charles whereon he is drawn in his full Stature studying with an Inscription by Sir Henry Wotton He had one peculiar temper of body that he fainted alwayes at an Eclipse of the Moon though he knew not of it and considered it not His Receipt for the Gout which eased him in two hours is at the end of his Natural History His Rhubarb-draught before meat he liked because it carryed away the gross humours not lessâ—ning the spirits as sweating doth It was the great effect of his Religion that as he said notwithstanding the opportunities he had to be revenged he neither bred nor fed maliceâ— saying no worse to the King who enquired of him what he thought of a great man newly dead that had not been his friend than that he would never have made
bold as sure either by carrying the Cause to oblige the people to themselves or by suffering for it to enrage them against the Government that Sir R. Weston made it his business to take off the one and my Lord of Canterbury the other which they did with such success that as my Lord Wentworth became a great Favourite so the Lord Savile was an eminent Counsellor only finding that his young Neighbour had got the start of him he kept to one of his popular Principles always viz. a restless impetuosity towards Papists against whom he made himself famous 1. For a Disputation procured by him in Drury-Lane whither he brought Bishop Vsher under the notion of a Countrey-Parson when the Jesuites cryed There was more Learning in that Parson than in all the men in England 2. For a project offered by him in Parliament For when they taking advantage of King Charls his wants profeâ—ed to maintain five thousand men to serve his Majesty in Ireland and a proportion of Ships to secure him in England on condition of the free exercise of their Religion Sir Iohn interposed That if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay Thirds legally due to the Crown it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of money It being but just that they who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges should first pay their old Penalties When I read of a Lord Savile going privately to Scotland 1639. subscribing to a Petition with oâ—her moderate Lords as they called them containing the very sense of the saction insomuch that it is observed the City-Petition and theirs were couched in the same words yet going to Oxford and after all being so turbulent there that his Majesty was fain to send him beyond Sea where his Majesty writes with his own hand He doubts he will rather exchange his villany than end it I am almost of that wise mans mind that there were no less than 17 particular Designs set on foot by the promotion of the late Troubles whereof though most yet not all were carried on in Westminster or to enforce something more solid that a King should say as the Italian doth If my Subject deceives me once God forgive him If a second time God forgive me and the rather because it 's fatal for Majesty to err twice Observations on the Life of Bishop Williams A Strong constitution made his pâ—rts a strict education improved them unwearied was his industry unexpressible his capacity He never saw the book of worth he read not he never forgot what he read he never loâ—â— the use of what he remembred Every thing he heard or saw was his own and what was his own he knew how to use to the utmost His extraction being Gentile his Soul large and noble his presence and carriage comely and stately his learning copious his judgement stayed his apprehension clear and searching his expression lively and effectual his elocution flowing and majestick his Proctorship when he gave the Lord Chancellor Egerton so much satisfaction in treating the Spanish Ambassador at an Act in Cambridge that thenceforward he resolved on his preferment 1612. discovered him a person above his place and his Lectures to his Pupils above his preferment Bishop Vaughan first admitteth him to his Family and then to his bosom there his strong Sermons his exact government under my Lord his plentiful observation his numerous acquaintance made him my Lord Chancellor Egerton's friend rather than his servant his familiar rather than his Chaplain Never was there a more communicative Master to instruct than my Lord Elsemâ—re never a more capable Scholar to learn than Dr. Williams who had instilled to him all necessary State-maxims while his old Master lived and had bequeathed to him four excellent Books when his Master was dead These four books he presented to K. Iames the very same time that he offered himself to the Duke of Buckingham The excellent Prince observed him as much for the first gift as the noble Duke did for the second the King and Duke made him their own who they saw had made that excellent Book his Willing was King Iames to advance Clergy-men and glad to meet with men capable of Advancemeâ—t His two Sermons at Court made him Dean of Westminster his exact state of the Earl of Somerset's Case made him capable of and the KING'S inclination to â—rust his Conscience in a Divines hand setled him in the Lord Keepers place actually only for three years to please the people who were offended with his years now but 34. and his calling a Divine but designedly for ever to serve his Majesty The Lawyers despised him at first but the Judges admired him at last and one of them said That never any man apprehended a Case so clearly took in all the Law Reason and other Circumstances more punctually recollected the various Debates more faithfully summed it up more compendiously and concluded more judiciously and discreetly For many of them might have read more than he but none digested what they had read more solidly none disposed of their reading more methodically none therefore commanded it more readily He demurred several Orders as that of my Lord Chancellor's pardon the Earl Marshal's Patent c. to let his Majesty see his judgement yet passed them to let him see his obedience He would question the Dukes Order sometimes discreetly to let him know he understood himself yet he would yield handsomly to let him see he understood him and indeed he had the admirable faculty of making every one of his actions carry prudence in the performance Necessary it was for one of his years and place to keep his distance and avoid contempt yet fatal was it to him to do so and incur envy Well understood he the interest of all his places resolutely he maintained them What saith he shall the Liberties of Westminster be infringed when the chief Favourite is Steward and the Lord Keeper Dean and I the contemptible man that must be trampled on When he was in trouble what passion what insinuation what condescention hath he at command when petitioned to how quickly he looked through men and business how exactly would he judge and how resolutely conclude without an immediate intimation from his Majesty or the Duke Many eyes were upon him and as many eyes were kept by him upon others being very watchful on all occasions to accommodate all Emergencies and meet with all humors alwayes keeping men in dependance on the Duke according to this intimation of his Cabal 287. Let him hold it but by your Lordships favour not his own power A good way had he been constant to it the neglect whereof undid him for designing the promotion of Doctor Price to the Arch-Bishoprick of Armagh he moved it to the Duke who told him it was disposed of to Doctor Vsher Whereupon he went his own way to advance that man and overthrew himself For
then his Lord let him feel what he had threatned my Lord Bacon when he advanced him That if he did not owe his preferment alwayes to his favour he should owe his fall to his frown The peremptoriness of his judgement â—endred him â—dious his compliance with Bristol suspected and his Sermon at King Iames his Funeral his tryal rather than his preferment obnoxiâ—us His spirit was great to act and too great to suffer It was prudence to execute his decrees against all opposition while in power it was not so to bear up his miscarriages against all Authority while in disgrace A sanguine complexion with its resolutions do well in pursuit of success Phlegm and its patience do better in a reâ—reat from miscarriages This he wanted when it may be thinking â—ear was the passion of King Charls his Governâ—ent as well as King Iames he seconded his easie â—all with loud and open discontents and those discontents with a chargeable defence of his servants that were to justifie them and all with that unsafe popularity invidious pomp and close irregularity that laid him open to too many active persons that watched him Whether his standing out against Authority to the perplexing of the Government in the Star-Chamber in those troublesom times his entertainment and favour for the Discontented and Non-Conformists his motions for Reformation and alteration in twelve things his hasty and unlucky Protestation in behalf of the Bishops and following actions in England and Wâ—les where it 's all mens wonder to hear of his meruit sub Parliamento had those private grounds and reasons that if the Bishop could have spoke with the King but half an hour he said would have satisfied him the King of Kings only knoweth to whom he hath given I hope a better account than any Historian of his time hath given for him But I understaâ—d better his private inclinationâ— than his publick actions the motions of his naâ—â—â—â—â— than those of his power the conduct of the oâ—â— being not more reserved and suspitious tha◠〈◊〉 effects of the other manifest and noble for nâ—◠〈◊〉 mention his Libraries erected at Sr. Iohn's 〈◊〉 Westminster his Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge 〈◊〉 repairs of his Collegiate Church his pensions 〈◊〉 Scholars more numerous than all the Bishops and Noble-mens besides his Rent-charges on all the Benefices in his Gift as Lord Keeper or Bishop of Lincoln to maintain hopeful youth according to the Statute in that â—ase provided Take this remarkable instance of his munificence that when Du Moulin came over he calleth his Chaplain now the R. R. Father in God Iohn Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and telleth him he doubted the good man was low wishing him to repair to him with some money and his respects with assurance that he would wait upon him himself at his first liesure The excellent Doctor rejoyneth that he could carry him no less than twenty pounds the noble Bishop replyeth he named not the sum to sound his Chaplains mind adding that twenty pounds was neither fit for him to give nor for the reverend Forreigner to receive Carry him said he an hundred pounds He is libelled by common fame for unchaste though those that understood the privacies and casualties of his Infancy report him but one degree removed from a Misogonist though to palliate his infirmities he was most compleat in Courtly addresses the conversableness of this Bishop with Women consisted chiefly if not only in his treatments of great Ladies and Persons of honour wherein he did personate the compleatness of courtesie to that Sex otherwise a woman was seldom seen in his house which therefore had always more of Magnificence than Nearness sometimes defective in the Punctilio's and Niceties of Daintiness lying lower than masculine Cognizance and as level for a womans eye to espy as easie for her hands to amend He suffereth for conniving at Puritans out of hatred to Bishop Laud and for favouring Papists oâ—t of love to them Yet whatever he offered King Iames when the Match went on in Spain as a Couâ—cellour or whatever he did himself as a States-man sâ—ch kindness he had for our Liturgy that he translated it at his own cost into Spanish and used it in the visitation of Melvin when sick to his own peril in the Tower and such resolution for Episcopacy that his late Majesty of blessed memory said once to him My Lord I commend you that you are no whit daunted with all disasters but are zealous in defending your Order Please it your Majesty replyed the Arch-Bishop I am a true Welsh-man and they are observed never to run away till their General first forsakes them No fear of my flinching while your Majesty doth countenance our Cause His extraction was gentile and ancient as appeared from his Ancestors Estate which was more than he could purchase without borrowing when at once Lord Keeper Bishop of Lincoln and Deau of Westminster His mind great and resolute insomuch that he controuled all other advices to his last to his loss in Wales and daunted Sir Iohn Cook as you may see in his character to his honour in England His wariness hath these arguments 1. That he would not send the Seal to the King but under lock and key 2. That being to depute one to attend in his place at the Coronation he would not name his Adversary Bishop Laud to gratifie him nor yet any other to displease the King but took a middle way and presented his Majesty a List of the Prebendaries to avoid any exception referring the Election to his Majesty himself 3. That he proposed a partial Reformation of our Church to the Parliament to prevent an utter extirpation by it 4. That he exposed others to the censure of the Parliament 1625. to save himself 5. That he answered to several Examinations without any the least advantage taken by his Antagonist This character of his I think very exact That his head was a well-fitted treasury and his tongue the fair key to unlâ—ck it That he had as great a memory â—s could be reconciled with so good a judgement That so quick his parts that others study went not beyond his nature and their designed and forelaid performances went not beyond his sudden and ready accommodations Only he was very open and too free in discourse disdaining to lye at a close guard as confident of the length and strength of his weapon Observations on the Life of Sir Isaac Wake THis honourable person whom I look upon at Oxford in the same capacity and fortune that Sir Robert Naunâ—on and Sir Francis Nethâ—rsole were in at Cambridge He was born in Northampton-shire his Father Arthur Wake being Parson of Billing Master of the Hospital of St. Iohns in Northampton and Canon of Christs-Church bred Fellow of Mâ—rton-Colledge in Oxford Protector and Orator of that University whence he was admitted Secretary to Sir Dudly Carleton Secretary of State and afterward advanced into the King's service and by his Master
and the Duke of Buckingham employed Embassadour to Venice where he negleâ—ted his own interest to attend his Majesties employment the reason that he dyed rich onely in the just conscience of his worth and the repute of his merk Coming from Venice he was appointed Lieger of France and designed Secretary of State had not Death prevented him at Paris being accomplished with all qualifications requisite for publick Employment Learning Languages Experience Abilities and what not King CHARLES hearing of his death commanded his Corps to be decently brought from Paris into England allowing the expences of his Funeral and enjoyning his neerest Relations to attend the performance thereof These accordingly met his body at Bulloign in France and saw it solemnly conveyed into England where it was interred in the Chappel of the Castle of Dover His REX PLATONICUS or his Latiâ—e account of King Iames his six dayes stay at Oxford speaks his Learning and his Instructions for Travel his experience He observing his Predecessors failings retrenching his expences satisfying himself with a repute of nobleness while in his way to preferment and others with the expectation of his bounty When preferred he seemed liberal that he might not be despised abroad but he was neer that he might not be odious at home His prodigality it may be might have satisfied the curiosity of a few Strangers while he incurred the displeasure of all his friends Besides a close wary man may be bountiful at his pleasure but the munificent cannot be so easily sparing for if his occasions or fortunes check his profuseness all his gallantry is in his first action of good husbandry Caution in expences if it be a vice is one of those saith the Italian that never disinherited a man Nay of the two saith Machiavel It 's more discretion to hold the style of miserable which begets an infamy without hatred than to desire that of Liberal which being maintained by necessitous courses procures an infamy with hatred As never did Statesman a brave action that seemed illiberal so never did he any such that was not so Yet four things our Knight spared no cost in I. Intelligence He could afford he said a golden key for the Pope's Cabinet 2. Books his Study was his Estate 3. In watching the Spaniards saying The Indies will pay for this And 4. Entertaining knowing men often applauding the Emperour's maxim That had rather go fifty miles to hear a wise man than five to see a fair City And this he was eminent for that he saw nothing remarkable in Foreign parts that he applyed not to his own Countrey Sir Henry Wotton being not more curious in picking up small Rarities to pleasure particular persons than Sir Isaac Wake was industrious to observe any useful invention that might improve the publick good Observations on the Life of the Lord Cottington SIr Francis Coâ—tington being bred when a youth under Sir Stafford lived so long in Spain till he made the garb and gravity of that Nation become his and become him too He raised himself by his natural strength without any artificial advantage having his parts above his learning his Experience above his Parts his Industry above his Experience and some will say his Success above all So that at last he became Chancellor of the Exchequer Baron of Hanworth in Middlesex Constable of the Tower 1640. and upon the resignation of Doctor Inxon Lord Treasurer of England gaining also a very great Estate Very reserved he was in his temper and very slow in his proceedings sticking to some private Principles in both and aiming at certain rules in all things a temper that indeared him as much to his Master Prince Charls his person as his integrity did to his service Nor to his service only but to that of the whole Nation in the Merchandize whereof he was well versed to the trade whereof he was very serviceable many ways but eminently in that he negotiated that the Spanish Treasure which was used to be sent to Flanders by the way of Genoa might be sent in English Bottoms which exceedingly enriched England for the time and had it continued had made her the greatest Bank and Mart for Gold and Silver of any Common-wealth in Europe Indeed the advantage of his Education the different Nations and Factions that he had to deal with the direct opposition of Enemies the treachery of Friends the contracts of Statesmen the variety and force of Experience from the distinct knowledge of the natures of the people of several Countreys of their chief Ministers of State with their Intrigues of government made him so expert that the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston could do nothing without him and he only could finish that Treaty which they had for many years spun out Men take several ways to the ends they propose themselves Some that of confidence others that of respect and cauâ—ion c. when indeed the main business is to suit our selves with our own times which this Lord did and no man better until looking into the depths of the late Faction he declared at the Council-Table 1639. that they aimed at the ruine of Church and State And viewing the state of the Kingdom he advised That Leagues might be made abroad and that in this inevitable necessity all ways to raise money should be used that were lawful Wherefore he was one of those few excluded the Indempnity by the Faction and had the honour to dye banished for the best Cause and Master in those foreign Countries where he suffered as nobly for the Crown of England in his later dayes as he had acted honourably for it in his former When he never came off better than in satisfying the Spaniards about toleration reducing the whole of that affair to these two Maximes 1. That Consciences were not to be forced but to be won and reduced by the evidence of Truth with the aid of Reason and in the use of all good means of Instruction and perswasion 2. That the causes of Consciences wherein they excâ—ed their bounds and grow to matter of faction lose their nature and that Soveraign Princes ought distinctly to punish those foul practices though overlaid with the fairer preâ—ences of Conscience and Religion One of his Maxims for Treaty I think remarkable viz. That Kingdoms are more subject to fear than hope And that it 's safer working upom them by a power that may awe the one than by advaâ—tages that may excite the other Since it 's aâ—other rule that States have no affections but interest and that all kindness and civility in those cases are but oversight and weakness Another of his rules for Life I judge useful viz. That since no man is absolute in all points and since men are more naturally enclined out of envy to observe mens infirmities than out of ingenuity to acknowledge their merit He discovereth his abilities most that least discovereth himself To which I may add another viz. That it is not onely
deep judgment of manyâ— Observations on the Lives of Sir Richard and Sir Jerome VVeston Earls of Portland SIr Richard Weston in his youth impaired his estate to improve himself with publick accomplishment but came off both a saver and a gainer at the last when made Chancellor of the Exchequer andâ— afterwards upon the remove of the Earl of Marlborough Iuly 15. in the fourth of King Charles Lord Treasurer of England His activity in Parliament made him considerable at Court none fitter to serve a Prince than he who commands the humor of the people Indeed where ever he was he discovered himself able and faithful 1. In his Forreign Employments his judgement was searching and reach admirable he being the first that smelt out the intentions against the Palatinate which were then in brewing and mashed with much art In his Domestick charge â—is Artifice was singular both in a faithful improvemâ—nt of the Incomes and a discreet moderation of the expences in his Masters Revenues In his Aspect there was a mixture of authority and modesty in his apprehensions quickness and solidity in his port and train a suitable dignity and correspondence with little noise and outward form An enemy to Complements yet very courâ—eous no flatterer yet of great power irreconcileable to frothy formality yet maintaining a due regard to his person and place A great Scholar he was and yet a great Staâ—es-man of various erudition and as large observation He secured himself much by Alliances with the best Nobility more by the love and what is more the esteem of a constant King it being one of the wonders of that time that my Lord of Canterbury and he who were at so much distance from one another should be so inward with their Soveraign but that that excellent Prince measured not his affections to his Dependants so much by a particular interest as by a publick serviceableness The necessity of the Exchequer put him upon some ways of supply that displeased the rabble though his three particular cares viz. The paying of the Navy the satisfying of the City and the Queen of Bohemia's supply three things he was very much intent upon while Treasurer obliged the wiser sort of men I know nothing he was defective in being careful to use his own words to perform all duties with obedience to his Majesty respect to the Duke and justice to the particular parties concerned But that he had so much of his Master's love and so little of his patience being grated as all Statesmen are that have to do with various interests and humours between a strong inclination of satisfying every man and the impossibility of pleasing all Considering the importunities of persons and affairs a little impatience must needs fall upon your Lordship wriâ—es Sir Henry Wotton to him unless you had been cut out of a Rock of Diamonds especially having been before so conversant with liberal Studies and with the â—reedom of your own mind In his time was the great Question agitated Whether a Prince should aim at the fear or the love of his People Although no Prince did more to oblige his People than the Excellent King Charles the I. Yet was there no Prince ever more advised to awe them For this Lord and many more who looked upon over-much indulgence as the greatest cruelty considering that men love at their own pleasure and to serve their own turn and that their fear depends upon the Princes pleasure were of opinion That every wise Prince ought to ground upon that which is of himself and not upon that which is of another government being set up in the world rather to trust its own power than stand upon others courtesie Besides two things the vulgar are taken with 1. Appearance 2. The event of things which if successful gains both their love and reverence Neither was the Father more exact in his Maxims thaâ— the Son in his of whose many infallible principles this was one That it was the safest way for the King's Majesty to proceed upon a Declaration that the Faction at Westminster was no Parliament upon his own and his most loyal Lords and Commons removal to Oxford And this another That provided the Gentry and Clergy were well principled and His Majesty that now is had a constant correspondence with the most eminent of them it was our Interest to promote his Majesties grandeur abroad and sit still at home until the Faction might be so secure as â—o divide and his Majesties Interest became so conspicuous by the Principles that were kept up at home and the State that was born abroad as to command all And really his little saying hath much in it He that will see what shall be let him consider what hath been For there are the same desires humours and interest in every age that were before it So that as Machiavel observeth It is very easie for him that with diligence â—xamineth past Occurrences to serve himself of those remedies which were in use among the Ancienâ—s Or if they fail to devise what is most like them Observations on the Life of William Earl of Pembrook HE was an ancient Gentleman of good repute and therefore well esteemed a proper person well set and of graceful deportment and therefore well beloved of King Iames and Queen Anne His inclination was as generous as his extraction and manners ancient as his Family One of his Ancestors is renowned for that he would condâ—scend to deliver his Embassies in no Language but Welch and he is commended for that he would comply with no customs in his converse but the old English though his Contemporaries make that his defect rather than his ornament proceeding from his want of Travel rather than his observance of Antiquity He having had only saith the Historian the breeding of England which gave him a conceited dislike of Forreign men their manners and mode or of such English as professed much advantage thereby so that the Scots and he were ever separate and therefore he was the only old Courtier that kept close to the Commonalty and they to him though never suspected by either of his Sovereigns not because he was not over-furnished with Abilities as that pen insinuates to be more than Loyal but because he had too much integrity to be less Being munificent and childless the University of Oxford hoped to be his Exâ—cutor and Pembrook-Colledge his Heir Pembrook-Colledge I say called so not only in respect to but also in expectation from him then Chancellor of the University and probably had not cut noble Lord died suddenly soon after according as a Fortune-teller had informed him whom he laughed at that very night he departed being his Birth-night this Colledge might have received more than a bare name from him He was saith one of his own time the very picture and Vive Essigies of Nobility his person rather Majestick than Elegant his presence whether quiet or in motion full of stately gravity his mind generous and
allow a due commendation to his learned performance in that subject Although it startled them to hear King Iames was so affected with it insomuch that Sir Edward Coke undertook from thence to prophecy the decay of the Common-Law though in that prophecy of his others foresaw nothing but his fall Never book came out more seasonably for the Church than this never Comment came out more suitably than Mr. Gregories Notes upon it Hâ— writ well and advised better being good to give better to manage Counsel which he never offered till called and never urged longer than it pleased answering no question of consequence unless upon emergent occasion without deliberation observing the design of people that ask most commonly to try his sufficiency as well as improve their own However being sure that time is likelier to increase than abate the weight of a result discovering as well what may be returned suitably to the general temper as what may be answered fitly to the particular instance What alterations he designed for the Churches benefit were not sodain but leisurely To force men out of one extreamity into another is an attempt as dangerous as it is invidious as awakening most opposition and obnoxious to most hazard Wise Tacitus observeth that men have reformed inveterate habits more by yielding to them than engaging against them though a man must so yield as not to encourage while he doth so countermine as not to exasperate Although he was always able yet was he never willing to mend the Copy his Superiors had set him unless owned as from former instruction lest they grew jealous he valued his own experience before theirs who measure mens sufficiency from their caution and not from their parts from what they can forbear rather than from what they can do To conclude he was one of those able men that cannot be eminent unless they be great men of great merit behave themselves so negligently in small affairs as that you shall never understand their abilities unless you advance their persons Mens capacities sufficiencies have certain bounds prescribed them within the limits of which they are able to acquit themselves with credit and applause But if you advance them above or depress them below their spheres they shew nothing but debilities and miscarriages Onely this he was always commended for That having the management of Affairs intrusted to him he underwent all the miscarriages himself ascribing all the honour and sufficiency to his Patron carrying his hand in all actions so that his Master had the applause of whatever was either conceded or denyed in publick without any other interruption from Mr. Ridly than what became the bare instrument of his commands however he ordered the matter in private Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Martin HE would merrily say That if his Father had left him fourscore pounds a year where he left him but forty he would never have been a Scholar but have lived on his Lands whereas his Inheritance being a large encouragement but a small maintenance he made up in study what he wanted in Estate first at Winchester and then at New-Colledge where his inclination led him to Divinity but Bishop Andrews his advice perswaded him to the Civil Law wherein he attained that great proficiency he was eminent for thus He had weekly transmitted to him from some Proctors at Lambeth the brief heads of the most important Causes which were to be tryed in the High-Commission Then with some of his familiar friends in that faculty he privately pleaded those Causes acting in their Chamber what was done in the Court But Mr. Martin making it his work exceeded the rest in amplifying and aggravaâ—ing any fault to move anger and indignation against the guilt thereof or else in extenuating or excusing it to procure pity obtain pardon or at least prevail for a lighter punishment Whence no Cause came amiss to him in the High-Commission For saith my Author he was not to make new Armour but only to put it on and buckle it not to invent but apply arguments to his Clients As in decision of Controversies in his Courts he had a moderate and middle way so in managing of affairs in Parliament he had a healing Method Whence in most Debates with the Lords where Mr. Noy's Law and Reason could not convince Sir Henry Martin's Expedients could accommodate For which services and his other meriâ—s he was made Judge of the Prerogative-Court for probate of Wills and of the Admiralty for Foreign Trade Whence King IAMES would say merrily He was a mighty Monarch by Sea and Land over the Dead and the Living Observations on the Life of Sir John Bramstone SIr Iohn Bramstone Knight was born at Maldon in Essex bred up in the Middle-Temple in the study of the Common-Law wherein he attained to such eminency that he was by King Charls made Lord Chief-Justice of the King 's Bench. One of deep Learning solid Judgement integrity of Life gravity of behaviour above the envy of his own age and the scandal of posterity One instance of his I must not forget writes the Historian effectually relating to the foundation wherein I was bred Sergeant Bruerton by Will bequeathed to Sidney-Colledge well-nigh three thousand pounds but for haâ—te or some other accident it was so imperfectly done that as Dr. Sam. Ward informed me the gift was invalid in the rigour of the Law Now Judge Bramstone who married the Sergeants Widow gave himself much trouble gave himâ—elf indeed doing all things gratis for the speedy payment of the money to a farthing and the legal setling thereof on the Colledge according to the true intention of the dead He deserved to live in better times The delivering his judgement on the King's side in the case of Ship-money cost him much trouble and brought him much honour as who understood the consequence of that Maxâ—me Salus populi suprema lex and that Ship-money was thought legal by the best Lawyers voted down arbitrarily by the worst Parliament they hearing no Counsel for it though the King heard all men willingly against it Yea that Parliament thought themselves not secure from it unless the King renounced his right to it by a new Act of his own Men have a touch-stone to try Gold and Gold is the touch-stone to try Men. Sir William Noy's gratuity shewed that this Judges Inclination was as much above corruption as his Fortune and that he would not as well as needed not be base Equally intent was he upon the Interest of the State and the Maximes of Law as which mutually supported each other He would never have a Witness interrupted or helped but have the patience to hear a naked though a tedious truth the best Gold lyeth in the most Ore and the clearest truth in the most simple discourse When he put on his Robes he put off Respects his private affections being swallowed up in the publick service This was the Judge whom Popularity could never
flatter to any thing unsafe nor favour oblige to any thing unjust Therefore he died in peace 1645. when all others were engaged in a War and shall have the reward of his integrity of the Judge of Judges at the great Aâ—â—ize of the world Having lived as well as read Iustinian's maxime to the Praetor of Laconia All things which appertain to the well-government of a State are ordered by the constitutions of Kings that give life and vigoâ—r to the Law Whereupon who so would walk wisely shall never fail if he propose them both for the rule of his actions For a King is the living Law of his Countrey Nothing troubled him so much as shall I call it the shame or the fear of the consequence of the unhappy contest between his Excellent Majesty and his meaner Subjects in the foresaid case of Ship-money no enemy being contemptible enough to be despised since the most despicable command greater strength wisdom and interest than their own to the designs of Malice or Mischief A great man mâ—naged a quarrel with Archee the King's Fool but by endeavouring to explode him the Court rendred him at last so considerable by calling the enemies of that person who were not a few to his rescue as the fellow was not onely able to continue the dispute for divers years but received such encouragement from standers by the instrument of whose malice he was as he oft broke out in such reproaches as neither the dignity of that excellent person's calling nor the greatness of his parts could in reason or manners admit But that the wise man discerned that all the fool did was but a symptom of the strong and inveterate distemper raised long since in the hearts of his Countreymen against the great mans Person and Function Observations on the Life of Sir Augustine Nicols SIr August Nicols son to Tho. Nicols Sergeant at Law was born at Ecton in Northampton-shire Now though according to the rigour of our Fundamental Premises he be not within our cognisance under this Tiâ—le yet his merit will justifie us in presenting his Character He was bred in the study of the Common Law wherein he attained to such knowledge that Qu. Eliz. made him and K. Iames continued him his own Serjeant whence he was freely preferred one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas I say freely King Iames commonly calling him the Judge that would give no money Not to speak of his moral qualifications and subordinate abilities he was renowned for his special judiciary Endowments of very calm affections and moderate passions of a grave and affable deportment of a great patience to hear both Parties all they could say a happy memory a singular sagâ—city to search into the material circumstances Exemplary integrity even to the rejection of Gratuities after Judgement given and a charge to his Followers that they came to their Places clear-handed and that they should not meddle with any Motions to him that he might be secured from all appearance of corruption His forbearing to travel on the Lords day wrought a Reformation on some of his own Order Very pitiful and tender he was in case of life yet very exact in case of blood He loved plain and profitable Preaching being wont to say I know not what you call Preaching but I like them that come neerest to my Conscience The speech of Caesar is commonly known Oportet Imperatorem stantem mori which Bishop Iewel altered and applyed to himself Decet Episcopum concionantâ—m mori of this man it may be said Iudex mortuus est jura dans dying in his Calling as he went the Northern Circuit and hath a fair Monument in Kendal-Church in Westmerland This I observe of this good man that he was so good a man that in the ruffling times he could be but a bad Magistrate Cum vel â—xeunda â—it natura vel minuenda dignitas when he must either go out of his easie â—ature or forego his just authority Observations on the Life of Sir Nich. Hyde SIr Nicholas Hyde was born at Warder in WilTshire where his Father in right of his Wife had a long Lease of that Castle from the Family of the Arundels His Father I say descended from an antient Family in Cheshire a fortunate Gentleman in all his children and more in his Grand-children some of his under-boughs outgrowing the top-branch and younger children amongâ—t whom Sir Nicholas in wealth and honour exceeding the rest of his Family Hâ— was bred in the Middle-Temple and was made Sergeant at Law the first of February 1626. and on the eighth day following was sworn Lord Chief-Justice of the Kings-Bench succeeding in that Office next save one unto his Country-man Sir Iames Ley than alive and preferred Lord Treasurer born within two miles one of another and next of all under Sir Francis Crew lately displaced Now though he entred on his Place with some disadvantage Sir Randal being generally popular and though in those dayes it was hard for the same Person to please Court and Countrey yet he discharged his Office with laudable integrity until 1631. Prudence obligeth Princes to refer the management of affairs to persons who have the reputation of extraordinary honesty especially to the transacting of such things which notwithstanding their innate justice may provoke any evil spirits The most part of mankind guessing only by their own senses and apprehensions judge of the affairs by the persons who conduct them Opinion guideth the world and the reputation of him that negotiateth sets a value and price upon his words and actions and the opiâ—ion which is conceived of him is so absolute an Umpire that there is no appeal from his judgement Opinion is the strongest thing in the world Truth the next Observations on the Life of Sir Walter Aston HE was a Gentleman of so much diligence in the Spanish Negotiations that there were no Orders Cabals Consultations in that intricate time c. he was not acquainted with Of so much resolution that there was not a dangerous Message in that great business he would not deliver Of that excellent converse that there was not that Minister of State in that jealous Court he was not familiar with Very observant he was by Don Iuan Taxardoes means of the Spanish proceedings and as well skilled with the Duke of Buckingham's direction in the English though yet he confessed himself almost lost in those Intrigues had not the Duke stood between him and the Kings displeasure that suspected him and the Prince his jâ—alousie that feared him He had need have a steady head that looks into such depths But as he had an excellent faculty of excusing others miscarriages so he had a peculiar way of salving his own being advantaged with a great foresight a deep reservedness and a ready spirit Few understood better the Importance of the English Trade with Spain None pursued more diligeâ—tly its priviledges and freedom tracing most of the secret Coâ—nsels and resolutions so closely
that he was able with his industry and money to give an account of most proceedings In the management whereof he resigned himself to the Duke's disposal professing to own no judgement or affection but what was guided by his direction His own words are these Vntil I know by your Graces favour by what compass to guide my course I can only follow his Majesties revealed will And the Duke's answer this You desire me to give you my opinion My ancient acquaintance long custom of loving you with constancy of friendship invites me to do you this office of good will My Lord of Bristol shuâ—fled the Cards well but Sir Walter Aston played them best The first set a design but the second pursued it being happy in an humble and respectful carriage which opened the breast and unlocked the hearts of all men to him He that looked downward saw the Stars in the water but he who looked only upward could not see the waters in the Stars Indeed there was in his countenance such a throne of sweetness and his words had so powerful a charm set off with so agreeable and taking gravity that the respect due to him was not lost in the love he had deserved nor the love he attained to abated by the respect he commanded being one that had gave infinite satisfaction in the Negotiations he engaged in Wherein among other things he would urge how unpolitick and unsuccessful it is for the Spaniard to meditate a conquest of Europe where all his Neighbours oppose him rather than Asia where they would all joyn with him out of Interest and Conscience both to secure him from France and carry him towards Turkey at whose doors his friend the Emperour was ready to attaque them upon any Mutiny or Rebellion then frequent among them whose strength saith Machiavâ—l lyeth more in Tradition than in any real Truth Considering the contâ—ary complexions of the people in point of Inâ—erest and Religion that can admit of no considerable coalition upon the approach of a Foreign impression Observations on the Life of Sir Julius Caesar. SIr Iulius Caesar's Father being Physitian to Qu. Elizabeth and descended of the ancient Family of the Dalmarii in Italy then living at Tottenham neer London This his Son was bred in Oxford and after other intermediate preferments was advanced Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancastâ—r and sworn a Privy-Councellor on Sunday the sixth of Iuly 1607. and afterwards was preferred Master of the Rolls A Person of prodigious bounâ—y to all of worth or want so that he might seem to be Almoner-general of the Nation The story is well known of a Gentleman who once borrowing his Coach which was as well known to poor people as any Hospital in England was so rendevouz'd about with Beggars in London that it cost him all the money in his purse to satisfie their importunity so that he might have hired twenty Coaches on the same terms Sir Francis Bacon Lord Verâ—lam was judicious in his Election when perceiving his Dissolution to approach he made his last Bed in effect in the house of Sir Iulius He continued more than twenty years Mr. of the Rolls and though heaved at by some Expectants sate still in his Place well poysed therein with his gravity and integrity Vir tantarum Elâ—â—mosynarum non movebitur a man of so great Alms and Prayers made by him and for him sâ—all not be removed Nor was it without a prosperous Omen that his chief House in Hartfordshire was called Benington that is Villa benigna the bountiful Village as one Author will have it or as another Villa beneficii the Town of good turns from the River so named running by it His Arms were these viz. Gules three Roses Argent on a Chief of the first so many Roses of the second embleming the fragrancy of the Memory he hath left behind him His Monument in great St. Hellens London being out of the road of ordinary Fancies was thus designed by himself in form of a Deed in ruffled Parchment in allusion to his Office as Master of the Rolls OMnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos hoc praesens Scriptum pervenerit Sciatis me Iulium Dalmare alias Caesarem Militem utriusque legis Doctorem Elizabethae Reginae Supremae Curiae Admiralitatis judicem unum é Magistris libellorum Jacobo Regi à Privatis Conciliis Cancellarium Scaccarii Scriniorum Magistrum hac prae senti Charta mea Confirmasse me Anuuente Divino Nâ—mine naturae debitum libenter solviturum quam primum Deo placuerit In cujus rei memoriam Manum meam Sigillum apposui Datum 27 Februarii 1635. Iulius Caesar. Here his Seal or Coat of Arms is affixed and beneath them is written Irrotulatur Caelo He dyed the twenty eighth day of April Anno Domini 1636. in the seventy ninth year of his Age. They say of Witches that they are unable to hurt till they have received an Almâ— It 's certain none ever undermined this Gentleman's insufficiency but such as were advanced by his civility a civility that secured him as well as it impowered them making his Grants to all persons double kindnesses by Expedition and cloathing his very Denials in such robes of Courtship as that it was not obviously discernable whether the Request or Denyal were most decent having this peculiar to himself That he was very cautious of Promises lest falling to an Incapacity of performance he might forfeit his Reputation and multiply his certain Enemies by his design of creating uncertain Friends Besides he observed a sure principle of rising viz. That great persons esteem better of such they have done great Courtesies to than those they have received great Civilities from looking upon this as their disparagement thâ— other as their glory Observations on the Lives of Sir Henry Sir Lucius Sir Henry Cary Lords Viseounts Faulkland A Race of accomplished men the ornaments and supports of their Countrey which they served with no lesse faithfulness and prudence in their Negotiations abroad than honour and justice in their Places at home Of such a Stock of reputation as might kindle a generous emulation in Strangers and a noble ambition in thoâ—e of their own Family Henry Cary Viâ—count Falkland in Scotland son to Sir Edward Cary was born at Aldnam in Herâ—fordshire being a most acplished Gentleman and a compleat Courtier By King Iames he was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland and well discharged his Trust therein But an unruly Colt will fuâ—â— and chafe though neither switch nor spur meerly because back'd The Rebellious Irish will complain only because kept in subjection though with never so much lenity the occasion why some hard speeches were passed on his Government Some beginning to counterfeit his hand he used to incorporate the year of his age in a knot flourished beneath his name concealing the day of his birth to himself Thus by comparing the date of the month with his own Birth-day unknown to such Forgers he not
Captain in the Military Wars of France and there Knighted for his good service under Henry the fourth the then French King He was employed as Lieutenant of the Horse and Serjeant-Major of his whole Army in Ireland under Robert Earl of Essex and Charles Baron of Mountjoy in the Reign of Qâ—een Eliz. By King Iames the firstâ— he was made Baron of Dantsey and Peer of this Realm as also Lord President of Munster and Governour of Guernsey By King Charles the first he was created Earl of Danby made one of his Privy-Councel and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter In his later time by reason oâ— impâ—â—fect health â—oâ—siderately declining more â—â—ive Employments full of honours wounds and days he died Anno Domini 1643. LAVS DEO For many years before St. George had not been more magnificently mounted I mean the solemnity of his Feast more sumptuously observed than when this Earl with the Earl of Morton were installed Knights of the Garter One might have there beheld the abridgment of England and Scotland in their Attendance The Scotish Earl like Xeuxes his picture adorned with all Art and costliness whilst our English Earl like the plain sheet of Apelles by the gravity of his Habit got the advantage of the gallantry of his Cortival with judicious beholders He died without Issue in the beginning of our Civil Wars and by his Will made 1639. seâ—led his large Estate on his hopeful Nephew Henry D' Anvers snatch'd away beâ—ore fully of age to the great grief of all good men Observations on the Life of Sir George Crook SIr George Crook son of Sir Iohn Crook and Elizabeth Unton his Wife was born at Chilton in Buckingham-shire in the second year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth bred first in Oxford then a double Reader in the Inner Temple Sergeant at Law and the King's Sergeant Justice first of the Common Bench 22. Iac. and then of the Upper Bench 4 Caroli His ability in his Profession is sufficiently attested by his own printed Reports Eight eminent Judges of the Law out of their knowledge of his great Wisdom Learning and Integrity approving and allowing them to be published for the common benefit His only defect was that he was against the ancient Naval-aid called Ship-money both publickly in Westminster-Hall and privately in his judgement demanded by the King even at that time when our Neighbours not only incroached upon our Trade but disputed our right in the Narrow-seas though concluded to subscribe according to the course of the Court by plurality of Voices The Country-mans wit levelled to his brain will not for many years be forgotten That Ship-money may be gotten by Hook and not by Crook though since they have paid Taxes Loyns to the little finger and Scorpions to the rod of Ship-money but whether by Hook or Crook let others enquire Hampden's share for which he went to Law being but eighteen shillings though it cost the Nation since eighteen millions Considering his declining and decaying age and desiring to examine his life and prepare an account to the supream Judge he petitioned King Charlâ—s for a Writ of Eâ—se which though in some sort denyed what wise Master would willingly part with a good Servant was in effect granted unto him For the good King exacting from his Subjects no services beyond their years and abilities and taking it better at his hands that he confessed his infirmities than if he had concealed them discharged him for the pains though he allowed him the fees and honour of Chief-Justice while he lived Wherefore in gratitude as well as conscience however he was misled in â—he foresaid matter of Syhip money he abhorâ—ed the Faction heartily for he would say of Hampden He is a dangerous person take heed of him and loved the Church as heartily for we are told by a person of great worth and credit Thâ—t having read over the Book of Canons 1640 when it first came out and was so much spoken against he lifted up his hands and gave hearty thanks to Almighty God that he had lived to see sâ—ch good effects of a Convocation In a word he was no less in his Life than he is in his Epitaph now dead which runs thus Georgius Crook Eques Auratus unus justiciariorum de Banco Regis Iudicio Linceato animo presenti insignis vâ—ritatis haeres quem nec mina nec bonos allexit Regis au horitatem populi libertatem aequâ lance Libravit Religione cordatus vitâ innocuus manu expansâ— Corde humili pauperes irrogavit mundum vicit deseruit Anno AErat Lxxxii Annoque R. C. I. xvii Anno Domini MDCXLI Observations on the Life of Sir Rob. Armstroder HE was a great Soldier a skilful Antiquary and a good Fellow In the first capacity I finde him bringing off five hundred English for three miles together without the loss of a man from six thousand Spaniards along a plain Champion where the Enemy might have surrounded them at pleasure Well he could handle bright armour in the Field better he understood that more rusty in the Tower therefore in his second capacity we have him picking up old Coyn valuing more a Dollar which he might study than a pound he might spend Yet though his mind was taken with the Curiosities of former Times his inclination was very compliant with the mode of his own for he was excellent company in which capacity none more prevalent than he in Germany where they talk much none more acceptable in Denmark where they drink hard none more taking in Sweden where they droll smartly His humble propâ—sition and submission in behalf of the Elector was accepted by the Emperour 1630. He went to Denmark and the first night he arrived he pleased the King so well in drinking healths that his Majesty ordered that his business should be dispatch'd that very night and he shipped when asleep as he was to his own amazement when awaked and the amazement of all England when returned he being here before some thought he had been there Humour is the Misterss of the world Neither was he more intenâ— upon the pleasing oâ— Foreign Princes than careful in the honour of his own especially in his faith word and impregnable honesty for he knew a faithless Prince is beloved of none but suspected by his friends not trusted of his enemies and forsaken of all men in his greaâ—est necessities Yet he was not so taken with antique Medals abroad but he promoted a new invention at home for to him Sir H. Wotton we owe it that F. Klein the German a very eminent Artist in working Tapestry came over to serve K. Charls the first a Virtuoso judicious in all Liberal mechanical Arts and for 100 pounds per ann pension so improved that Manufacture at this time very compleat at Mortlack in a house built by Sir Franciâ— Crane upon King Iames his motion who gave two thousand pounds towards it in that place General
Tilly would say before Gustavus Adolphus came into Germany that he was happy for three things That he heard Mass daily that he had never touched a woman and that he had never lost a battel What ever Sir Robert could say to the first he was very prosperous for the last that he never failed of success either in fighting or treating in the Field or in the Chamber Observations on the Life of Philip Earl of Arundel HAd his Faith been as Orthodox as his Fathers Faithfulness was eminent K. Iames his gratitude and his Uncle Northampton's policy had raised him as high as his Father hath been and his son is But since his opinion made him a Separatist from the Church and his temper a recluse from the Court we have him in a place of Honour only as Earl Marshal while we finde his Brother in a place of Profit as Lord Treasurer though both in a place of Trust as Privy-Counsellors where this Earl approved himself a confutation of his Uncles maxim That a through-paced Papist could not be a true-hearted Subject being as good an English-man in his heart as he was a Catholick in his conscience only the greatness of his spirit would not suffer any affronts in Parliament whence he endured some discountenance from the Court insomuch that the House of Lords finding him a Prisoner when they sate 1626. would not act until after several of their Petitions he was released when his temper yielding with years he was very complying only he presumed to marry his Son to an Heiress the King had disposed of elsewhere which yet he laid upon the women that made the Mâ—â—ch Indeed the politick Observator saith That women of all creatures are the most dextrous in contriving their designs their natural sprightfulness of imagination attended with their leisure furnishing them with a thousand Expedients and proposing all kinds of Overtures with such probability of happy success that they easily desire and as eagerly pursue their design When he was sometimes barred the service of hâ—s own time he studied those before him being a fond Patron of Antiquaries and Antiquity of whose old pieces he was the greatest Hoarder in Europâ— setting aside Ferdinandâ— de Medicis grand Duke of Tâ—scaâ—y from whom by the mediation of Sir Henry Wotton he borrowed many an Antique Sculpture which furnished his Archives so well as we may guess by Mr. Selden's Marmora Arundeliana that as my Lord Burleigh's Library was the most compleat one for a Politician my Lord Bacon's for a Philosopher Mr. Selden's for an Historian Bishop Usher's for a Divine my Lord of Northampton's for a Poet Mr. Oughtred's for a Mathematician Dr. Hammond's for a Grammarian or an universal Critick so the Earl of Arundel's was the best for an Herald and an Antiquary a Library not for shew but use Neither was he more in his study where hâ— bestowed his melancholy hours than in Councel where he advised three things in reference to the Foreign troubles 1. Correspondence abroad 2 Frequent Parliaments 3. Oftner progresses into the Countries Neither was he less in the Field than in Council when General against the Scoâ—s the more shame thâ—t Protestants should at a time rebel against their King when Papists ventured their lives for him After which Expedition he was ordered beyond Sea with the Queenâ—Mother of France 1639. when they say he looked back on England with this wish May it never have need of me It 's true some observe that the Scots who cried upon him as a Papist yet writ under-hand to him their Noble Lord as they did to Essex and Holland so effectually that they had no heart to that War afterward and it is as true that thereupon a schedule was now the second time given of the parties that combined against the Government viz. 1. The busie medlers that had got the plausible trick of Haranguing since King Iames's time not used in Parliament from H. 6. time to his 2. The covetous Landlords Inclosers Justices of thâ— Peace that ruled in the Country and would do so in Parliament 3. Needy men in debt that durst not shew their heads in time of Peace 4. Puritans that were so troublesom against Hatton c. in Queen Eliz. dayes and under pretence of Religion overthrew all Government 5. Such Male-contents as either lost the preferment they had or had not what they were ambitious of with their Kindred and Dependants 6. Lawyers that second any attempt upon the Prerogative with their Cases Records and Antiquities 7. London Merchants that had been discovered by Cranfield and Ingram as to their cheats put upon the King in his Customs and Plantations 8. Common-wealths-men that had learned from Holland in Queen Eliz. days to pray for the Queen and the State And 9. Because there cannot be a Treason without a P such Recusants as were Hispanioliz'd whereof this Earl was none but though as a Church-Papist he had most of the Catholick Peers votes devolved on him he never bestowed them undutifully albeit sometimes stoutly and resolutely A great friend he was to all new Inventions save those that tended to do that by few hands which had been usually done by many because said he While private men busie their heads to take off the Poors employment the publick Magistrate must trouble his to find them maintenance Either be or the Earl of Northampton used to say when asked what made a compleat man To know how to cast Accompts an accomplishment though ordinary yet might save many an Estate in England Observations on the Life of Esme Duke of Richmond GReat in his Ancestors honour greater in his own vertue and greatest of all in that â—ike the Star he wore the higher he was the â—ess he desired to seem affecting rather the worth than the pomp of nobleness therefore his courtesie was his nature not his craft and his affableness not a base servile popularity or an amâ—itious insiâ—uation but the native gentleness of his disposition and his true value of himself He was not â— stranger to any thing worth knowing but best acquainted wiâ—h himself and in himself rather with â—is weaknesses for Caution than his abilities for Aâ—tion Hence he is not so forward in the traverses of War as in Treaties of Peace where his honour â—nnobled his cause and his moderation advanced â—t He and my Lord of Southampton managing the â—everal Overtures of Peace at London Oxford and â—xbridge with such honourable freedom and pruâ—ence that they were not more deservedly regardâ—d by their Friends than importunately courted â—y their Enemies who seeing they were such could â—ot be patient till they were theirs though in â—ain their honours being impregnable as well against the Factions kindness as against their power At Conferences his conjectures were as solid as oâ—hers judgements his strict observation of what was passed furnishing him for an happy guess of what was to come Yet his opinion was neither vâ—riably unconstant nor obstinately immoveableâ— but
framed to present occasions wherein his mâ—thod was to begin a second advice from the failuâ—â— of his first though he hated doubtful suspenceâ— when he might be resolute This one great defecâ— was his good nature that he could never distrust tilâ— it was dangerous to suspect and he gave his Enemâ— so much advantage that he durst but own him foâ— his friend One thing he repented of that he advised his Majesty to trust Duke Hamilton his Adversary with the affairs of Scotland in compliancâ— with the general opinion rather than the Marquesâ— Huntly his friend in compliance with his own reaâ— interest an advice wherein his publick-spiritednesâ— superseded his particular concerns and his gooâ— nature his prudence So true is it that the honest mans single uprightness works in him that confidence which oft-times wrongs him and givâ—â— advantage to the subtle while he rather pities â—hâ—iâ— faithlessness than repents of his credulity so greaâ— advantage have they that look only what they maâ— do over them that consider what they should doâ— and they that observe only what is expedient oveâ— them that judge only what is lawful Therefore when those that thought themselves wise leâ—â— their sinking Soveraign he stuck to his Persoâ— while he lived to his body when dead and to hiâ— cause as long as he lived himself attending thâ— first resolutely burying the second honourablyâ— and managing the third discreetly undertaking without rashness and performing without fearâ— never seeking dangers never avoiding them Although when his Friends were conquered by thâ— Rebels he was conquered by himself retiring to that privacy where he was gâ—essed at not known where he saw the world unseen where he made yielding a conquest where cheerful unconcerned in expectation he provided for the worst and hoped the best in the constant exercise of that Religion w ch he his maintained more effectually with their Examples than with their Swords doing as much good in encouraging the Orthodox by his presence as in relieving them by his bounty In a word I may say of him as Macariuâ— doth of Iustine There was no Vice but he thought below him and no Vertue which he esteemed not either his duty or ornamenâ— Neither was his prudence narrower than his vertue nor his vertue streighter than his fortune His main service was his inspection into the Intrigues and Reserves of the Parliamentiers at Vxbridge and his cajoling of the Independants and Scots at London where the issue of his Observations was That the King should as far as his conscience could allow comply with the unreasonable desires of an illimited ambition to make iâ— sensible of the evils that would flow from its own Counsels being confident as events have assured us that the people would see the inconvenience of their own wishes and that they would return that power which they sought for but could not mâ—nage to its proper place before it became their ruine for unbounded Liberty overthroweth its self But alas it was too late to grant them any thing who by having so much were only encouraged more eagerly to desire what they knew the King in honour could not give For when a Prince is once rendred odious or contemptible his Indulgences do him no less hurt than injuries As his services were great so were his Recreations useful Hunting that manly Exercise being both his pleasure his accomplishment his accomplishment I say since it is in the list of Machiavel's rules to his Prince as not only the wholsomest and cheapest diversion both in relation to himself and his People but the best Tutor to Horse-manship Stratagems and Situations by which he may afterwards place an Army whatever Sir Philip Sidney's apprehension was who used to say Next hunting he liked hawking worst Observations on the Life of the Lord Chief-Iustice Banks SIr Iohn Banks his Parents perceiving him judicious and industrious bestowed good breeding on him in Grayes-Inne in hope he should attain to preferment wherein they were not deceived For after he was called to the Bar for some years he solicited Suits for others thereby attaining great practical experience He afterwards might laugh at them who then did smile at him leaving many behind him in Learning whom he found before him in time until at last he was Knighted by King Charles made first his Attorney then Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas dying in the middest and heat of our Civil Dissentions He ordered by his Will that his Body should be buried under some plain Monument at the discretion of his Executors and after an Epitaph mentioning the several Places he had held this Motto to be added Non nobis Domine non nobis sed Nomini tuo da Gloriam By his said Will he gave to the value of thirty pound per ann with other Emoluments to be bestowed in pious Uses and chiefly to set up a Manufacture of course Cottons in the Town of Keswick He was one whom the Collar of S.S.S. worn by Judges and other Mâ—gistrates became very well if it had its name from Sanctus Simon Simplicius no man being more seriously pious none more singly honest When Sir Henry Savile came to Sir Edward Cook then at bowls in Arch-Bishop Abbot's behalf and told him he had a Case to propose to him Sir Edward answered If it be a Case in Common-Law I am unworthy to be a Iudge if I cannot presently satisfie you but if it be a point of Statute-Law I am unworthy to be a Iudge if I should undertake to satisfie you without consulting my Books Sir Iohn Banks though ready without his Books on the Bench yet always resolved Cases out of them in his Chamber answerable to his saying to Dr. Sibs A good textuary is a good Lawyer as well as a good Divine His invention was prompt and ready his apprehension sure and solid his memory capacious and retentive his knowledge in the Law and the inword reasons of it profound his experience in affairs of State universal and well laid patient he was in hearing sparing but pertinent in speaking very glad always to have things represented truly and clearly and when it was otherwise able to discern through all pretences the real merit of a Câ—use He was a man of singular modesty of the ancient freedom plain-heartedness and integrity of mind Very grave and severe in his deportment yet very affable in such sort that as Tacitus saith of Agrippa Illâ— quod est rarissimum nec facilitas authoritatem nec severitas amorem diminuit And in a word so even and circumspect he was in the several turnings and occasions of his life that though he went himself and brought over as many as he had any interest in to the King I find him under no extraordinary displeasure from the Rebels and I observe but one unhappiness in his whole life and that is that all men speak well of him Observations on the Life of Sir Tho. Edmonds THe Trophees of Miltiades would not let Themistocles sleep
nor the Courts-advancements of his Relations this Gentleman to sit still having both Livis's qualifications for an eminent man a great spirit and a gallant conduct for actions a sharp wit and a fluent tongue for advice Whence we meet with him Comptroller of the Kings Houshold at home and his Agent for Peace abroad equally fit for business of courage and resolution and for affairs of Councel and complement I think it was this Gentleman who foreseeing a Contest likely to ensue between the English and the Spanish Embassadors to the first whereof he belonged went to Rome privately and fetched a Certificate out of the book of Ceremonies which according to the Canon giveth the rule in such cases shewing that the King of England was to precede him of Castile a good argument because ad homines wise men having always thought fit to urge not what is most rational in its self but what all circumstances considered is most convincing Sirâ— Thomas Edmonds used to puzzle the Catholicks about six Records 1. The original of Constantine's grant of Rome to the Pope 2. St. Mark 's grant of the Adriatique Gulph to Venice 3. The Salique Law in France 4. The Instrument whereby King Iohn pasâ—ed away England to the Pope 5. The Letter of King Lucius And 6. The Ordinal of the Consecration at the Nags-head Neither did he perplex them with these Quaeries more than he angered the Faction with his principles Tertio Car. â— 1. That the King was to be trusted 2. That the Revenue was to be setled 3. That the Protestant cause was to be maintained 4. That Jealousies were to be removed and things past were to be forgotten Observations on the Life of Sir Paul Pindar HE was first a Facâ—or then a Merchant next a Consul and at last an Embassador in Tuâ—key Whence returning with a good purse and a wary Head-piece he cast about what he might do to gratifie K. Iames and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury most and finding them much pleased with acts of Charity and Piety he repaired the Entry Front and Porches of St. Paul's Cathedral to all the upper Church Quiâ—e and Chancel and enriched them with Marble structures and figures of the Apostles with carvings and guildings far exceeding their former beauty which cost above two thousand pounds the act of a good man said K. Iames who made him one of the great Farmers of the Customs in gratitude whereof Sir Paul besides his former expences took upon him to new build the South Isle which cost him above 17000 l. A Projector such necessary Evils then countenanced and be a Clergy-man too informed K. Iames how he might speedily advance his Revenue by bringing in Spiritual preferments now forsooth under-rated in the Kings books to a full value to the great encrease of first-Fruits and Tenths the King demands the Lord Treasurer Cranfield's judgement thereof he said Sir You are esteemeâ— a great lovâ—r of Learning you know Clergy-mens Education is chargeable their preferment slow and small Let it not be said you gain by grinding them other ways less obnoxious to just censure will be found out to furnish your occasions The King commended the Treasurer as doing it only for tryal adding moreover I should have accounted thee a very Knave if encouraging me herein But he sends for Sir Paul Pindar and tells him he must either raise the Customs or take this course who answered him nobly That he would lay thirty thousand pounds at his feet the morrow rather than he should be put upon such poor projects as unsuitable to his honour as to his inclination Go thy way saith the King thou art a good man Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Vane Senior THree things Henry the fourth of France said would puzzle any man 1. Whether Queen Elizabeth was a Maid 2. Whether the Prince of Orange was valiant 3. What Religion he himself was of To which I may add a fourth viz. what Sir Henry Vane was whom I know not what to call but what Mr. Baxter calleth his son a hider the Fathers life being as mystical aâ— the Sons faith men as little understanding the actions of the one as they did the writing of the other But the two powers that govern the world the best and the worst are both invisible All Northern men are reserved to others but this was too â—â—e for his own Countrey-men neither Sir Iohn Savile that brought him to Court nor Sir Thomas Wentworth that advanced him theâ—e understanding either his temper or his design He betrayed any Council he was present at and marred all the Actions he was employed in As 1. When he was sent to relate the Emperor's overture to thâ— Queen of Bohemia of thirty thousand pounds per ann and a Marriage between her eldest Son and his Daughter he did it with those ackward ciâ—cumstances that transported the good Lady to such unseasonable expressions as at that time blasted her cause and expectations And thence it 's thought he brought Sir Robert Dudley's Rhapsody of Projects to disparage the King's government under pretence of supplying his necessiâ—ies it waâ— the way of the late Underminers to relieve their Masters present need upon future inconveniences hiding themselves under Proposals plausible for the present and fatal in the consequence which juggles of his were so long too little to be considered that at last they were too great to be remedied 2. He is said to have shuffled other Conditions into the Pacification at York where he was a Commissioner than were avowed by the Lords Commissioners much insisted on by the Scots and burned by the common Hang-man as false and contrary to the true Articles 3. When sent to the House 1640. to demand 12 or 8 or six Subsidies he requireth without abatement twelve with design as it 's judged to ask so much as might enrage the Parliament to give nothing and so to be dissolved unhappily or continued unsuccessfully 4. He and his son together betray the Votes passed in the select Council taken by him privately under his â—at for the reducing of Scotland to the ruine of the Earl of Strafford and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury The story is Sir Henry Vane was trusted with the Junctoâ— where he took Notes of their several opinions these Notes he puts up in his Closet A while after he delivers to his son Sir H. Vane Junior a key to fetch some papers out of a Cabinet in which he finds another key to an inward shutter which he opened and lighted upon this Paper and communicates it to Mr. Pym for the end aforesaid and upon this very Paper doest not tremble Reader at this Treason alone the House of Commons voted that brave Earl out of his Life the same day that twenty two years after the same Sir Henry Vane Junior lost his head Abselvi numen Observations on the Life of Sir Richard Hutton SIr Richard Hutton was born at Perith of a worshipful Family his elder brother was a
more mindful of kindnesses and none more grateful for civilities He was so wise as seldom to forget an injury in the consequence of it and so noble as ever to remember love in the return of it His honest Parents conveyed him an excellent temper and that temper a brave spirit which had the advantage of his bâ—rth some say at Reading some at Henley at an equal distance from the University where he was to be a Scholar and the Court where he was to be a Man In the first of these his indefatigable industry his methodical study his quick apprehension his faithful memory his solid judgement his active fancy his grave and quick countenance his sharp and piercing eye raised him by discreet and wary steps to all the preferments and commended him to all the employments of the University when Proctor whereof he was admitted for his prudence to the Earl of Devonshire's service which hazarded and when Divinity-Reader observed by the Lords of Rochester and Lincoln for his judgement which advanced him As his design was above the level of modern Sciolists so were his Studies not prepossessed with the partial Systemes of Geneva but freely conversant with the impartial volumes of the Church-Catholick he had an infallible apprehension of the Doctrine and Discipline and a deep insight into the interest of Christianity This capacious soul conversed with the most knowing of all Judgments to finde the bottom of all Errors and with the most judicious of his own to discern the grounds of all truth He had his eye on the University to reduce it when Head of St. Iohn's on the lower Functions of the Church in his Pastoral charges to reform them and upon the higher when Dean of Gloucester Prebend of Westminster and Bishop of St. Davids to settle them He was a man of that search and judgment that he found out the principles of government that were true to the Church of that faithfulness and resolution that amidst all discouragements he was true to them The Church-government he found by many private-spirited men accommodated to their ease and interest he adjusted to truth and settlement consulting not humors which are uncertain as interest but truth which is certain as Eternity Arch-Bishop Abbot's Yield and they will be pleased at last was a great miscarriage Arch-Bishop Laud's Resolve for there is no end of yielding was great policy His great reach in Government suitable to that King's apprehensions commended him to King Iames his vast ability and integrity to K. Charles and the Dukâ— of Buckingham To the first whereof he was a Privy-Councellor to the other a Bosom-friend before both whom he laid the best Representations and Ideas of the English government as to things and persons in several abstracts of any man under heaven I have heard a Statesman say That none knew the joynts turnings flexures and interests of all Parties in Church or State that were either to be encouraged or suppressed with the seasons and opportunities to do it so well as Dr. Laud. Discerning was his fore-sight compleat his intelligence exact his correspondence quick his dispatches seasonable and effectual his Sermons and Discourses inquisitive and observing his Converse His Instruments were able and knowing men that were faithful to the Church as he was in Man-warâ—ng and Mountagu's case to them Knowing well as he wrote to my Lord of Buckingham that discouragements would deter men of parts whom encouragements might make serviceable He knew no man better how to temper a Parliament having a Catalogue of all the Nobility and Gentry with their Interest and Inclination in his eye He understood none more exactly what was to be discoursed and proposed to them having a clear apprehension of the several Junctures and Tendencies of affairs He entertained no thought but what was publick in his breast no man but what was nobly spirited in his familiarity Ever watchful he was of all opportunities to advance the Churches honour 1. In her Sons as Bishop Iuxon c. 2. Her Discipline as in his several Visitations Articles Star-Chamber and High-Commission matters 3. In her Endowments as the buying of Impropriations in Ireland 4. In her Priviledge as the Canons of England 5. In her Ornaments as the repairing furnishing of St. Pauls and most other Churches in his Province 6. In her Universities as the statutes of Oxford the priviledges of Cambridge and his vast gifts of Oriental Books and Buildings and his vaster design for both and as watchful against all the designs to undermine it The Feofâ—ees for Impropriations he laid aside the Sabbatizing and Predestinarian controversies he silenced the Licenâ—ious Press he reduced Dignities and Preferments hâ— worthily filled up bribes at Court he retrenched No interest no alliance could ever advance an unworthy person while he lived Breed up your children well and I will provide for them was his saying to all his Relations Many a man would be disobliged by his sternness at first view for whom if deserving he would afterwards contrive kindnesses by after and unexpected favours No place of experience did he ever miss none of employment did he ever decline He would never see Authority hâ—ffled but either wave all proceedings against offenders or go through with them His prosecutionâ— as in Leighton's Case were close his observation of all câ—rcâ—mstances as in Lincoln's wary his declarations of the Cases clear and convincing as in Pryn's Bastwick's and Burion's his sentence milde and compassionate as in Waller's his resolution and justice ever making way to his mercy and his mercy crowning his justice Often did he confer with the ablest and most Orthodox Clergy with the most experienced and knowing Civilians with the most observing and reserved Courtiers with the profoundest Lawyers with the skilfullest and discreetest Mechanicks out of all whose opinions the result was his most exact judgement in any case that came before him at Court or at Lambeth The roughness of his nature sent most men discontented from him but so that he would often of himself find ways and means to sweeten such as had any worth again when they least looked for it Many were offended at his prudent zeal against the Jewish Sabbatism in his government who were very well satisfied with the strictness of his observation of the Lords day in his person But let one great man express another Bishop Gauden Arch-Bishop Laud whose thoughts lye so much the more levelled to his brave Sentiments as his dignity did to his high place As to his secret design of working up this Church by little and little to a Romish conformity and captivity I do not believe saith he he had any such purpose or approved thought because beside his declared judgment and conscience I find no secular Policy or Interest which he could thereby gain either private or publick but rather lose much of the greatness and freedom which he and other Bishops with the wholâ— Church had without which temptâ—tion no man in charity may be
the Churches publick peace required or its indulgence to promote Christians permitted The Uniformity he pressed was not more advantageous to Religion which must of necessity have been propagated when Controversies had been turned to devotion than it was necessary for the State which cannot be secure as long as there is a mark of distinction under which all Male contents may shrowd themselves a note of separation whereby the Factions may reckon their parties and estimate their strength and a way open to popularity to the ambition of any whose interest or desperateness shall adventure to make himself head of so great a pâ—rty He was a person of so great abilities which are the designations of nature to dignity and command that they raised him from low beginnings to the highest Office the Protestant profession acknowledgeth in the Church and he was equal to it His learning appeared eminent in his Book against Fisher and his piety illustrious in his Diary He was of so publick a spirit that both the Church and Sâ—ate have lasting Monuments of the virtuous use he made of his Princes favour at his admittance into wâ—ich he dedicated all the future Emoluments of it to the glory of God and the good of men by a projection of many noble Works most of which he accomplished and had finished the rest had not the fate of the Nation checked the current of his Design and cut off the course of his Life He was not contented by himself only to serve his Generation for so he might appear more greedy of fame than desirous of the universal benefit but he endeavoured to render all others as heroick if they aimed at a capacity for his friendship For I have heard it from his Eâ—emies no great man was admitted to a confidence and respect with him unless â—he made Address by some act that was for the common good or for the ornament and gloâ—y of the Protestant faith Learned men had not a better Friend nor Learning itself a greater Advancer He searched all the Libraries of Asia and â—rom several parts of the world purchased all the Ornaments and helps of Literature â—e could that the English Church might have if possible by his care as many advantages for knowledge as almost all Europe did contribute to the grandeur of that of Rome The outward splendour of the Clergy was not more his care than their honour by a grave and pious conversation He would put them into a power of doing more good but was sore against their Vices and Vanities He scorned a private Treasure and his friends were rather relieved than raised to any greatness by him In his election of friends he was determined to the good and wise and such as had both parts and desires to profit The Church had his closest embraces if otherwise it happened their frauds not his choice deserved the blame Both Papists and Sectâ—ries were equally his Enemies one party feared and the other hated his Vertues Some censured his zeal for Discipline above the patience of the Times but his greatest unhappiness was that he lived in a factious Age and corrupt State and under such a Prince whose Verâ—ues not admitting an immediate approach for Accusations was to be wounded with those iâ— did caress But when Faction and Malice are worn out by time Posterity shall engrave him in the Albâ— of the most excellent Prelacy the most indulgent Fathers of the Churchâ— and the most injured Martyrs His blood was accompanyed with some tears that fell from those Eyes that expected a pleasure at his death and it had been followed with Miseries and the present Fears of Ruine exacted all the stock of Grief for other objects His very enemy Sir Edward Deering would confess That let him dye when he would St. Pauls would be his Monument and his Book against Fishes his Epitaph Observations on the Life of the Lord Keeper Littleton SIr Edward Littleton the eldest son of Sir Edward Littleton of Mounslow in Shropshire one of the Justices of the Marches and Chief-Justice of North-Wales was bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he proceeded Batchellor of Arts and afterwards was one of the Justices of North-Wales Recorder of London and Sollicitor to King Charles From these places he was preferred to be Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas and made Privy-Councellor thence advanced to be Lord-Keeper and Baron of Mounslow the place of his Nativity He died in Oxford and was buried in Christs-Church where he was bred Being a Member of the Parliament 1628. he had the management of the high presumption charged on the Duke of Buckingham about King Iames his death wherein he behaved himself so discreetly between the jealousiâ— of the People and the honour of the Court that Sir Iohn Finch would say He was the only man for taking things by a Right handle And Sir Edward Cook that He was a well-poized and weighed man His very name carried an Hereditary credit with it much plaineth out the way to all great Actions his virtue being authorizing by his nobility and his undertakings ennobled by his birth gained that esteem which meaner men attain not without a large compass of time and experience worthless Nobility and ignoble worth lye under equal disadvantage Neither was his extract so great as his parts his judgement being clear and piercing his Learning various and useful his skill in the Maxims of our Government the fundamental Laws of his Monarchy with its Statutes and Customs singular his experience long and observing his integrity unblemished and unbyassed his Eloquence powerful and majestick and all befitting a Statesman and a Lord-Keeper set off with a resolved Loyalty that would perform the harshest service his Master could enjoyn him while he stayed at London and follow the hardest fortune he could be in when at York whither he went with the great Seal he knew made to stamp Royal Commissions rather than authorize Rebellious Ordinances At Oxford he did good service during the Session of Parliament by Accommodations there and as good during their recess by his interest in the Country Observations on the Life of the Marquess Hamilton A Preacher being at a loss what to say of a party deceased concluâ—â—d his Sermon with these words There is one good quality in this man viz. That he was born and that God made him And another viz. That he is dead and we must speak noâ—hing but good of the dead I may say of this Noble-man that I have two reasons to speak well of himâ— 1. That good King Charles honoured him 3 and 2. That his wicked Subjects beheaded him otherwise I must leave these Queries as I finde them Quaere 1. Why should Duke Hamilton post without leave into Scotland when the Parliament was discontented and the Duke of Buckingham murthered in England Qu. 2. Why should Ramsey the Dukes Messenger to the King of Sweden play the Embassadour in Germany and take place of all other persons there Qu. 3. What design was that
Privy-Seal he brought the Court of Requests into such repute that what formerly was called the Alms-Basket of the Chancery had in his time well-nigh as much meat in and guests about it I mean Suits and Clients as the Chancery it self His Meditations of Life and Death called Manchester Almondo written in the time of his health may be presumed to have left good impressions on his own soul preparatory for his dissolution which happened 164 Tâ—e Office of Lord Treasurer was ever beheld as a place of great charge and profit My Lord being demanded what it might be worth per ann made this answer That it might be some thousands of pounds to him who after death would go instantly to heaven twice as much to him who would go to Purgatory and a Nemo scit to him who would adventure to a worse place But indeed he that will be a bad husband for himself in so advantagious a place will never bâ— a good one for his Soveraign Observations on the Life of Sir Henry VVotton with some Account of his Relations SIr Henry Wotton first having reâ—â— of his Ancestor Sir Robert Wotton the noble Lieutenant of Guisnes and Comptroller of Callais in King Edward the fourth's days His Grand-father Sir Edward Wotton that refused to be Chancellor of England in King Henry the Eighth's time 2. Having known his Father Sir Thomas Wotton one of the most Ingenuous modesty the most Ancient freedom plainness single-heartedness and integrity in Queen Elizabeths Reign His Brothers Sir Edward Wotton the famous Comptroller of Queen Eliz. and K. Iames his Court since Lord Wotton Baron Morley in Kent Sir Iames Wotton with R. Earl of Essex Count Lodowick of Nassaw Don Christophoro son of Antonio King of Portugal c. Knighted as an excellent Soldier at Cadiz Sir Iohn Wotton the â—ccomplished Traveller and Scholar for whom Qâ—een Eliz. designed a special favour His Uncle Nicholas Wotton Dean of Canterbury and York nine times Embassador â—or the Crown of England â—e that was one of King Henry's Execuâ—ors King Edward's Secretary of State Queen Mary's right handâ— aâ—d that refused the Arch-Bishoprick of Caâ—tâ—rbury in Queen Eliz. days 3. Being bred 1. In Winchester that eminent School for Discipline and Order 2. In New-Colledge and Queens those famous Colledges for the method of Living by rule could promise no less than he did in his solidlâ— seâ—tenticâ—â— and discreetly humoured Play at Queens called Tancredo in his elegaâ—t Lecture of the nobleness manner and use of Seeing at the Schools for which the learned Albericus Gentilis called him Henrice Mi Ocelle and communicated to him his Mathematiâ—â— his Law and his Italian learning in his more particular converse with Doctor Donne and Sir Richard Baker in the University and his more general conversation with Man-kind in travels for one year to France and Geneva where he was acquainted with Theodore Beza and Isaac Casaâ—bon at whose Fathers he lodged for eight years in Germany for five in Italy whence returning balanced with Learning and Experience with the Arts of Rome Venice and Florence Picture Sculpture Chimistry Architecture the Sâ—crets Langâ—ages Dispositions Customs and Laws of most Nations set off with his choice shape obliging behaviour sweet discourse and shaâ—p wit he could perform no less â—han he did 1. In the unhappy relation he had to the Earl of Essex first of Friend and afterward of Secretary 2. In his more happy Interest by his Secâ—etary Vietta upon his flight out of England after the Earl's apprehension with the Duke of Tuscany then the greatest paâ—ron of Learning and Arts in the world who having discovered a design to poyson King Iames as the known successor of Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Henry Wotton with notice of the ploâ— and preservatives against the poyson by the way of Norway into Scotland under the borrowed name of Octavio Baldi where after some suspicion of the Italian message discovering himself to the King by David Lindsey's means he was treated with much honour complacency and secrecy for three months Afteâ—â—hich time he returned to Florence staying theâ—e till King Iames enquiring concerning him of my Loâ—d Wotton the Comptroller the great Duke advised his return to congratulate his Majesty as he did the King embracing him in his arms calling him the best because the honest est Dissembler that he met with and Knighting him by his own name Adding withal That since he knewâ—he wanted neither Learning nor Experience neither Abâ—lities nor Faithfulness he would employ him to others as he was employed to him which accordingly he did to Venice the place he chose as most suitable to his retired Genius and narrow Estate where 1. Studying the dispositions of the several Dukes and Senators 2. Sorâ—ing of fit Presents curious and not costly Entertainments sweetned with various and pleasant discourse particularly his elegant application of Stories He had such interest that he was never denyed any request whereby he did many services to the Protestant interest with his Chaplain Bishop Biddle and Padre Pauloe's assistance during the Controversie between the Pope and the Venetians especially in transmitting the History of the Councel of Trent sheet by sheet to the King and the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as it was written And in his three Embassies thither gained many Priviledges for the English along all those Coasts In the second of which Embassies calling upon the Emperour he had brought Affairs to a Treaty had not the Emperours success interposed whereupon he took his leave wishing that Prince to use his Victory soberly an advice his carriage indeared to his Majesty together with his person so far that he gave him a Diamond worth above a thousand pounds which he bestowed on his Hostess saying He would not be the better by a man that was an open Enemy to his Mistress so the Queen of Bohemia waâ— pleased he â—should call her Onely while abroad and writing in the Album that friends have this sentence Legat usest vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendum reipublicae causa whereof Scioppius made a malicious use in his Books against King Iames. He loâ—t himself a while for using more freedom abroad than became his Employment until his ingenuous clear and choicely eloquent Apologies recovered him to more respect and cautiousness until he writ Invidiae Remedium over his Lodgings at Eaton-Colledge the Provostship whereof he obtained in exchange for the reversion of the Mastership of the Rolls and other places promised him Where looking upon himself in his Surplice as Charles 5. or Philip 2. in Cloysters his Study was divine Meditations History and Characters His recreation Philosophical conclusions and Angling which he called his idle time not idly spent saying he would rather live five May moneths than forty Decembers His Table was exquisite where two youths attended upon whom he made the observations that were to furnish his designed discourse of Education His Histories and Observations remarkable his Apophthegms sage and quick 1.
Being in a Popish Chappel a merry Priest that knew him sent a Paper to him with this question Where was your Religion before Luther Under which he writ Where yours is not in the written word of God 2. Being asked whether a Papist could be saved He replyed You may be saved without knowing that look to your self 3. Hearing one â—ail against Arminius Popery he answered Sir he that understands amiss concludeth worse If you had studied Popery so much as I have and knew Arminius so well as I did how learned how strict and how rare a man he was you would not fall so foul on his person nor think that the further you go from the Church of Rome the nearer you are to God 4. One pitched upon for Embassador came to Eaton and requested from him some Experimental rule for his prudent and safe carriage in his Negotiation to whom he smilingly gave this for an infallible Aphorism That to be in safety himself serviceable to his Country he should alwayes and upon all occasions speak the truth For said he you shall never be believed and by this means your truth will secure your self if you shall ever be called to any account and it will also put your Adversaries who will still hâ—nt counter to a loss in all their disquisitions and undertakings 5. And when he made his Will two years before he died out of policy to let the King understand his Debts and Arrears to which end he bestowed in that Will on his Majesty Sir Nicholas Throgmorton's Papers of Negotiation in Queen Elizabeth's dayes on the Queen Dioscorides in Tuscany with the Herbs naturally coloured on the Prince the Queen of Bohemia's picture on my Lord of Canterbury the picture of Divine love to my Lord of London high Treasurer Heraclitus and Democritus and to Secretary Windebanke old Bastano's four Seasons he directed that this onely should be written on his plain Marble Hic jacet hujus sententiae primus auctor Disputandi Pruritus fit Ecclesiarum Scabies Nomen alias quaere 7. Going yearly to Bocton for the connaturalness of that Air and to Winchester or Oxford for Recreation he would say to his friends How useful was that advice of a holy Monk who perswaded his friend to perform his customary devotion in a constant place where his former thoughts might meet him for said he at my being at that School seeing the place where I sate when I was a boy occasioned me to remember my youthful thoughts sweet thoughts indeed that promised my growing years numerous pleasures without mixture of cares and those to be enjoyed when time which I thought slow-paced changed my youth to man-hood and now there are a succession of Boys using the same recreation questionless possessed with the same thoughts Thus one generation succeeds another both in their Lives Recreations Hopes Fears and Deaths 8. There are four things that recommend Sir Henry Wotton to posterity 1. That King Charles took great pleasure in corresponding with him in Letters 2. That my Lord Bacon took great pains in collecting his Apophthegmes 3. That Sir Richard Baker who submitted most of his Writings to his Censure said of him That the Kingdom yielded not a fitter man to match the Capriciousness of the Italian wits And 4. That his work of Architecture is translated into Latine printed with Vitruvius and this Elogy prefixed Henricus Wottonus Anglo-Cantianus Tho. optimi viri Filius Natu minimus a serenissimo Jacobo I. Magnae Britanniae c. Rege in Equestrem tituâ—um ascitus ejusdemque ter ad Remp. Venetam Logatus Ordinarius semel ad Confaederatarum Provinciarum Ordines in Iuliensi Negotio bis ad Carolum Emanuelem Subaudiae ducem Semel ad unitos superioris Germaniae Principes in Conventu Heilbronnensi Postremo ad Archducem Leopoldum Ducem Wittenbergensem Civitates Imperiales Argentinam Vlmamque ipsum Romanorum Imperatorem Ferdinandum II. Legatus Extraordinaâ—ius Tandem hoc Dedicit Animas sapientiores fieri quiescendo Observations on â—â—e Lives of the Lord Wilmot and Sir Tho. Roe THese honourable persons are united not so much in their own relation or character as in my unhappiness who was promised Observations on the life of the firstâ— but never had them and had some on the life of the second but lost them 1. My Lord Wilmot I finde acting like a Statesman when Commissary in the expedition against the Scots and speaking like a Soldier when a Member of the Parliament that was for them in the first capacity speaking with my Lord Conway he saw the King would be overcome by the English at home if he overcame not the Scots abroad In the second whispering with some Army-Officers he said If the Scots Army were paid in the North the King's Army would be paid in the South A wise and brave speech that had almost rallied all the Army against the Parliament as soon as that Parliament had rallied their multitude against the King but that treachery got easily into the bosom of that brave Prince thâ—t had nothing but honesty in his heart Yet since he could not awe the counsels of the faction in the City he went to suppress their Rebellion in the Field being voted a Traitor by the Rebels because he endeavoured they should not be so What he performed in the Wars all the Kingdom knows what he did at Oxford the King's Letters intimate what he negotiated in Germany acted in Scotland endeavoured at Worcester and other places for the King's Majesties escape and restauraâ—â—â—n posterity shall celebrate while he lives as renownedly in History as he doth nobly in his son the most hopeful Earl of Rochester 2. Sir Thomas Roe understood the dispositions of men so exactly could suit their humours so fitly observe opportunities and seasons of actions so punctually keep correspondence so warily wade through difficulties so handsomly wave the pinch of a business so dexterously contrive Interests so suitably that he was advised with concerning the most important Affairs of the Kingdoms he resided in abroad and admitted of the Privy-Council while he lived at home Where his speech against the debasing of the Coyn at the Council-Table will last as long as there is reason of State in the world His settlement of Trade as long as this is an Island and his Eastern Mâ—S S. as long as there are Books to furnish Libraries or Libraries to preserve Books Three of the noblest English actions beyond Sea are these 1. That Sir Thomas Roe pardoned the Dutch Merchants thrice in Persia and Turkey at his mercy 2. That my Lord Wilmot when Embassador in Germany refused the assistance of the Popes Nuncio or Turkish Aga judging his great Master when at lowest above those suspected Auxiliaries 3. That my Lord Culpeper having offered him in Muscovy all the English goods there refused them declaring his Royal Master a Father of his Country though kept out of it by Traitors and a merciful Prince to his People
versed in men and business What Rules he would give him for his portâ— Conduct and Carriage There is one short remembrance said he will carry you safe through the world nothing but this said he Gli Pensiere strâ—tti el viso Scioâ—â—o i. e. Your thoughts closeâ— and your Countenance loose The Character of this prelate a man of a calm and reserved minde but of a gravely obliging carriage wise and wary and that a solid wisdome rather than a formal well seasoned with practice and well broken to Affairs of a fine Composition between Fâ—ugality and magnificence A great Cherisher of manual Arts especially such as tended to splendour or ornament entertaining the most exquisite Artists with a setled pension â—qually divided he was between the Priest and the States-man Great with his double power Ecclesiastical and Civil by Nature more reserved than popular with Vertues fitter to beget estimation than love In his Chancellourship he was served with able followers rather by choice than number and with more neatness and service than noise As midland Countries in busie times are most secure as being farthest and most participating of the common Interest so your moderate and middle men in troublesome and perplexed times are most quiet as least concerned in the respective Controversies and most intent upon the common good Observations on the Life of Sir William Pickering HIs Extraction was not Noble his estate but mean yet was his person so comely his carriage so elegant his life so gravely reserved and studious and his Embassies in France and Germany so well managed that in King Edwards days he was by the Council pitched upon as the Oracle whereby our Agents were to be guided abroadâ— and in Queen Eliâ—abeths designed by common vote for the Prince by whom we were to be governed at home He received extraordinary favours no doubt so deserving he was he was wishâ—d to more he was so popular and when his service waâ— admitted to her majesties bosome all fancies but his own placed his person in her Bed And I find him a prince in this That retiring from those busie Buslings in the State wherein he might be matched or out-done he devoted his large soul to those more sublime and noble researches in his Study wherein he sate monarch of hearts and letters Anxious posterity no doubt enquires what great Endowments could raise so private a man to such publick honour and expectation and it must imagine him one redeemed by the politure of good Education from his younger vanities and simplicities his Rustick ignorance his Clownish conâ—idence his Bruitish dulness his Country solitude his earthly ploddings his Beggerly indigencies or covetous necessities racked and refined from the Lees of sensual and inordinate lust from swelling and surly pride from base and mean designes from immoderate affections violent passions unreasonable impulses and depraved aspâ—cts of a strong and handsome body a large and publâ—ck soul of a gentle and patient access of benign and just reâ—entments a grand awful presence This is he that is born to teach the world That Vertue and Wariness makeâ— Kings as well as Gods Observations on the Life of Cuâ—hberth Tonstal Bishop of Durham A Man passing well seen in all kind of polished literaâ—ure who having run through many degrees of honour at home and worthily performed several Embassies abroad was very hot against the Popes primacy in his young days very moderate for it in his middle years and very zealous in his old age like the waters in Curtius that are hot at midnight warm in the morning and cold at noon In the Reign of Queen Mary he spake more harshly against the protestants calling Bishop Hooper Beast for being married then he acted being politickly presumed to bark the more that he might bite the less and observed to threaten much in London and do little in his own Diocess for I meet saith my Author with a marginal note in Mr. Foxe which indeed justly deserved even in the fairest letters to be inserted in the body of his Book Note that Bishop Tonstal in Queen Mary's days was no great bloody Persecutor for Mr. Russel a Preacher was before him and Dr. Hinmer his Chancellour would have had him examined more particularly the Bishop staid him saying Hitherto we have had a good report among our Neâ—ghbours I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my head When the more violent Bishops were confined to close prisons primo Elizabethae he lived in Free Custody at my Lord of Canterbury's in sweet Chambers warm Beds by warm Fires with plentiful and wholesome Diet at the Archbishops own Table differing nothing from his former Grandeur save that that was at his own charges and this at anothers and that he had not his former suit of superfluous Servanâ—s that long Train that doth not warm but weary the Wearer thereof In a word his custody did not so much sowre his freedome as his freedome sweetned his custody where his Soul was most free using not once those Oracles of Seneca That the good things of Prosperity are to be wished and the good things of Adversity to be admired It 's true Greatness to have at once the frailâ—y of a man and the security of a God Prosperiâ—y saith my Lord Bacon is the blessing of the Old Testament and Adversity of the new the first wants not its fears and distastes therein therefore our prelate was temperate nor the second its comforts and hopes and therein he was resolved in the one virtus vel in hoste he was not vicious under the other lie was vertuous Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury NObility without Vertue is a disgrace Vertue without Nobility low but Nobility adorned with Vertue and Vertue embellished by Nobility raiseth a man high as Nature reacheth and he in whom these two concur hath all the glory a man can attain unto viz. both an Inclination and a Power to do well This is the man whose Greatnâ—ss was but the servant to his Goodness and whose honour the Instrument of his Vertue who was reverenced like the Heavens he bore for his Bâ—neficence as well as for his Glory He saw four troublesome Reigns but not troubled himself as one that was so espoused to the common and grand Concerns of Mankinde as to be uninâ—eâ—ested in the particular and petty Designe of any party of it He had friends and none more sure to them or more devoted to that sacred thing called Friendship to ease his heart to to support his judgement by to reform or at least observe his defect in to compose his mind with but none to countenance in a Faction or side with in a quarrel Vsefulness is a Bond that tieth great and good men and not respects How low Learning ran in our Land among our Native Nobility some two hundred years since in the Reign of King Henry the sixth too plainly appeareth by the Motto in the Sword of the Martial Earl
him that anno 1580 that Kingdome was delivered to my Lord Gray after his one years Government in a better condition than it had been for threescore years before the Populacy being encouraged the Nobility trusted Fâ—â—ds laid down Revenue setled the Sea-towns secured the Sâ—ulâ—iery disciplined and the Magizines furnished Whence he returned to overlook others setling England against the Spaniards as he had done Ireland himself being an active Commiâ—â—oner in England in 88 and an eminent Agent in Scotland in 89. Observations on the Life of Sir William Waad A Scholar himself and a Patron to such that were so being never well but when employing the Industrious pensioning the Hopeful and preferring the Deserving To his Directions we owe Riders Dictionary to his Encouragement Hooker's Policy to his Charge Gruter's Inscriptions As none more knowing so none more civil No man more grave in his Life and Manners no man more pleasant in his Carriage and Complexion yet no man more resolved in his Business for being sent by Queen Elizabeth to Philip King of Spain he would not be turned over to the Spanish Privy-Council whose greatest Grandees are Dwarfs in honour to his Mistress but would either have audience of the King himself or return without it though none knew better how and when to make his close and underhand Addresses to such potent Favourites as strike the stroke in the State it often happening in a Commonwealth saith my Author that the Masters Mate steers the Ship better than the Master himself A man of a constant toyl and industry busie and quick equally an enemy to the idle and slow undertakings judging it a great weakness to stand staring in the face of business in that time which might serve to do it In his own practice he never considered longer than till he could discern whether the thing proposed was fit or not when that was seen he immediately set to work when he had finished one business he could not endure to have his thoughts lie fallow but was presently consulting what next to undertake Two things this Gentleman professed kept him up to that eminence 1. Fame that great inciâ—ement to Excellency 2. A Friend whom he had not onely to observe those grossnesses which Enemies might take notice of but to discover his prudential failings indecencies and even suspitious and barely doubtful passages Friendship saith my Lord Bacon easeth the heart and cleareth the understanding making clear day in both partly by giving the purest councel apart from our interest and prepossessions and partly by allowing opportunity to discourse and by that discourse to clear the mind to recollect the thoughts to see how they look in words whereby men attain that highest wisdome which Dionysius the Areopagite saith is the Daughter of Reflexion Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Sidney SIr Henry Sidney eminent for his son Sir Philip and famous for his own Actions was born well and bred better His Learning was equal to his Carriage his Carriage to his Good Nature his Good Nature to his Prudence his Prudence to his Resolution A little he learned at School more at the University most at Court His Reading was assiduous his Converse exact his Oâ—servations close His Reason was strong and his Discourse flowing Much he owed to his Studiousness at home more to his Experience abroad where Travel enlarged and consolidated his Soul His own Worth fitted him for Advancement and his Alliance to my Lord of Leicester raised him to it Merit must capacitate a man for Interest and Interest must set up merit His person and his Ancestry invested him Knight of the Garter his Moderation and Wisdome President of Wales His Resolution and Model of Government made him Lord Deputy of Ireland a people whom he first studied and then ruled being first master of their humour and then of their Government Four things he said would reduce that Country A Navy well furnished to cut off their correspondence with Spain An Army well paid to keep up Garrisons Laws well executed to alter their Constitutions and Tenures A Ministry well setled to civilize and instruct them and an unwearied Industry to go through all Nine things he did there to eternize his Memory 1. Connaught He divided to six Shires 2. Captainships something answering to Knighthood here He abolished 3. A Surrendry of all Irish Holdings He contrived and the Irish Estates He setled on English Tâ—nures and Services 4. That the ablest five of each Sept should undertake for all their Relations He ordered 5. One Free-School at least in every Diocess He maintained 6. Two Presidents Courts in Munster and Connaught He erected 7. Their Customes He reduced to the Civility and their Exchequer to the Exactness of England 8. Their Purveyance He turned to Composition 9. Their Statutes He printed and a constant correspondence He kept especially with the English Embassadour in Spain and King Iames in Scotland Fitzâ—Williams was mild Essex heady Perrot stout but this Lieutenant or Deputy was a stayed and resolved man that Royally heard ill and did well that bore up against the clamours of the people with the peace of his conscience His Interest he had devoted to his Soveraignâ— and his Estate to the publick saying as Cato That he had the least share of himself From the Irish he took nothing but a Liberty to undo themselves from Court he desired nothing but service from Wales he had nothing but a Good Name Iâ—'s observed of him that He had open Vertues for Honour and private ones for Success which he said was the daughter of reservedness there being not saith my Lord Vâ—rulam two more fortunate properties than to have a little of the fool and not too much of the honest man The Crown was obliged by his services the Nobility engaged to him by Alliances the People enamoured with his Integrity and himself satisfied with a good Conscience Much good counsel he gave at Court more at home in Shropshire where his Dexterity in composing the private Quarrels of the Country was as eminent as his Prudence in setling the Affairs of Ireland He had that Majesty in his Countenance that he awed and Affability in his Speech that he obliged the Country His Counsel would be smart and solid his Reproof grave and affectionate his Jests quick and taking doing more with a quick Droll towards the peace of the Country than others did with longer Harangues Secretary Bourns Son kept a Gentlemans Wife in Shropshire when he was weary of her he caused her Husband to be dealt with to take her home and offered him 500 l. for reparation The Gentleman went to Sir Henry Sidney to take his advice telling him That his Wife promised now a new life and to say the truth five hundred pounds would be very seasonable at that time By my troth said Sir Henry take her home and the Money then whereas other Cuckolds wear their Horns plain you may wear yours gilt His great word after a
herein was not the worse friend for being the better Subject Observations on the Life of Bishop Mountague JAmes Mâ—untague son to Sir Edward Mountague was born at Bâ—ughton in Northamptonshire bred in Christâ—-Câ—lledge in Cambridge He was afterwards Master or rather nursing Father to Sidney-Colledge For he found it in bonds to pay twenty Marks per annum to Trinity-Colledge for the ground whereon it is built and left it free assigning it a rent for the discharge thereof When the Kings Ditch in Cambridge made to defend it by its strength did in his time offend it with its stench he expended a hundred Marks to bring running-water into it to the great conveniency of the University He was afterwards Bishop first of Bath and Wells thâ—n of Winchâ—ster being highly in favour with King Iames who did ken a man of merit as well as any Prince in Christendom He translated the Works of King Iames into Latine and improved his greatness to do good Offices therewith He dyed Anno Dom. 1618. AEtat 49. and lyeth buried within his fair Monument within his fairer I mean a goodly Tomb in the Church of Bath which oweth its well-being and beauty to his Munificence King Iames cast his eye upon him at Hinchingbrook where the University of Cambridge met him as he came from Scotland because he obseâ—ved him one of those he knew he must oblige I mean a Gentleman He set his heart upon him at Court because he found him one he intended to employ I mean a Scholar He was the onely man of all the Doctors he conversed with there and the onely man of all the Bishops he consulted with at White-Hall His nature inclined him to magnificence and his vertue to Thrift sparing from lesser vanities what he might expend upon greater enterprizes never sparing when just designs called for great charge Grateful he was to his followers though not prodigal Good men choose rather to be loved for their benefits to the Community than those to private persons His understanding was as large as his heart was honest comprehensive both of men and things even those things that were either below or besides his care going not besides his observation he held a freedom of the will not from an humbleâ— dependance upon the first cause but from a fatal compulsion by the second causes nec truncos nec Sacrilegos abhorring to make that noble creature Man created by God after his own Image to be the Governour of the Universe Lord and Master of the Creatures should be no more than the man in the beginning of Almanacks who is placed immoveable in the midst of the 12 Signs as so many second causes if he offer to stir Aries is over his head ready to push him and Taurus to goar him in the Neck c. He anticipated his age with his worth and died at fourscore in merit when not fifty in years filling his time not with dayes but with vertues so early as seemed rather innate than acquired For which he was so popular in the Countrey as well as favoured at Court that a corpulent Officer of Bath-Church being appointed on the day of his Burial to keep the doors entred on his employment in the morning but was buried himself before night and before the Bishop's body was put in the ground because being bruised to death by the pressing in of people his Corps required speedy interment In those days the Plebs concurred with the King in their affections to because they suâ—mitâ—ed to him in their choice of persons for then wisdom was thought to dwell in the Head and good Folks thought their Soveraign wiser 〈◊〉 â—hemselves Observations on the Life of Sir Edm. Anderson SIr Edmund Anderson was born a younger brother of a Gentile Extract at Flixborough in Lincolnshire and bred in the inner Temple I have been informed that his Father left him a thousand pounds for his portion which this our Sir Edmund multiplyed into many by his great proficiency in the Common-Law being made the 24th of Queen Elizabeth Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas When Secretary Davison was sentenced in the Star-Chamber for the business of the Queen of Scots Judge Anderson said of him that therein he had done justum non juste and so acquitting him of all malice censured him with the rest of his indiscretion When H. Cuffe was arraigned about the rising of the Earl of Essex and when Sir Edward Coke the Queens Solicitor opposed him and the other answered Syllogistically our Anderson sitting there as a Judge of Law not Logick checked both Pleader and Prisoner ob stolidoâ— syllogismos for their foolish Syllogismes appointing the former to press the Statute of Edward the third He died in the third of King Iames leaving great Estates to several sons He was a pure Legist that had little skil in the affairs of the world always alledging a decisive Case or Statute on any matter or question without any regard to the decency or respect to be had towards a State or Government and without that account of a moderate interpretation some circumstances of things require being so much the less useful as he was incompliant and one whom none addreâ—sed to because as one observes of Cardinal Corrado Such think they do in same manner sacrifice themselves when they do but in the â—e stâ—â—ct against their own opinions to do a man a little pâ—eâ—sure There are a kind of honest men of good conscience whose capacities being narrow uncertain private resolutions inconsistent with publick interest who may for me pass for good men but shall never be censed or registred for good Citâ—zeâ—s because when streight-laced and short apprehensions are resolved into conscience and mâ—ximes those men are obliged to be so obstinate as â—o change or remit nothing of their first resolutions how unreasonable soever in themselves or dangerous in the consequence State-policy is wholly involved in matter and circumstances of time place and persons not capable of such exact rules as Geometry Arithmetick and other Sciences whose subject is abstracted from matter he who â—â—ssâ—â—geth State-affairs by general rules will quickly ruine both himself and those who aâ—e committed to his government the quintessence of policy doth consist in the dexterous and skilful application of general rules to the subject matter coâ— of the great ends of policy and government is the creating a mutual confidence amongst men and to â—llay those distracting jealousies grounded â—n an universal suspicion of humane nature much like the good Womans fear that the Log would â—â—â—p out oâ— the fire and knock out the brains of her Child which have no other use than the begetâ—â—g 〈…〉 rpâ—tuâ—l vâ—xatioâ—s the discouragement of free Trade and Converse a teaching of them who are suspected often to do worse than they imagined and the creating of sedition and troubles Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bodley by himself 1. I Was born at Exiter in Devonshire March 2. 1544. descended both by