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-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
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
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
not a Kentish Knight having spent a great Estate at Court and brought himself to one Park and a fine House in it was yet ambitious to entertain not the Queen but her Brother at it and to that purpose had new-painted his Gates with a Coat of Arms and a Motto overwritten thus OIA VANITAS in great Golden Letters Sir Anthony Cooke and not his Son Cecil offering to read it desired to know of the Gentleman what he meant by OIA who told him it stood for Omnia Sir Anthony replied Sir I wonder having made your Omnia so little as you have you notwithstanding make your Vanitas so large King Edward would say of his Tutors That Radolph the German spake honestly Sir Iohn Cheek talked merrily Dr. Coxe solidly and Sir Anthony Cooke wâ—ighingly A faculty that was derived wiâ—h his blood to his Grandchilde Bacon which informs the world of this great truth That Education doth much towards Parts Industry more Converse Encouragement and Exercise more yet but a sound temper and nature an wholesome blood and spirit derived from healthful and well-constitutioned Parents doth all Observations on the Life of Sir David Brooke DAvid Brooke Knight born at Glassenbury Son to Iohn Brooke Esq who was Serjeant at Lâ—w to King Henry the Eighth Our David was also bred in the Study of our Laws and in the first of Queen Mary was made Chief Baron of the Exchequer but whether dying in or quitting the place in the first of Qâ—een Elizabeth I am not informed He married Katherine Daughter of Iohn Lord Chandois but dyed without issue A Lawyer and a Lawyers son yet one whose zeal for the Religion of that time advanced rather â—han his Law to serve rather his Princes interest than his Court that being the happy shall I say or unhappy time when the Soveraign and the State did often consult with Judges and the Judges more often consult with the Sovereign and State Yet although a particular respect raised a general fair carriage kept him up He observed not onely things but times not onely times but persons therefore when old Poâ—nal Laws came before him he confined them in the execution that that which was made for terror should not be for rigour and the Instrument of Government should not be the snare of the People When Informers of that Court were too busie he checked them when violent prosecution cunning advantages combinations power or great counsel balanced an honest cause he set all things even His invention was good to improve his Mistresses Revenue his conscience was as tender to diminish it Q. Mary was ready of her own inclination but readier upon Sir David Brookes motion to part with the Church-Profits Patient and grave he was in hearing sparing and weighty in speaking None would direct an Evidence more orderly none moderated the length or impertinency of Pleaders more discreetly None would recapitulâ—â—â—e select collate the material points of what had been said more exactly none gave judgement more satisfactorily always commending a good Lawyer that miscarried a good way to uphold in the Client the reputation of his counsel and beat down in him the conceit of his cause He dyed with some projects in his breast for the Revenue and some for the Law whereof one was a composition for the Purveyances and another a regulation of the Wards both at that time thought till regulated as unprofitable for the Crown as they seemed to be burthensome to the subject He had a close way of discovering Concealments as he had a severe one of punishing frauds His word was One Law executed is worth twenty made None more austere in case of others wrong none more mild in that of his own and he would say What is done is done Weak men concern themselves in what is past while the wise take care of what is present and to come If a man wrongeth me once God forgive him saith the Italian if he wrongeth me the second time God forgive me Others may be even with their enemies in râ—venge he would be above them in forgiveness An enemy I say though otherwise to a perfidious and unworthy friend he was much of Cosmus Duke of Florence his temper who said You shall read that we are commanded to forgive our enemies but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends Many have in veighed against Usury none have done more against it than this Knight who if he had lived was resolved to reduce it to these Rules 1. That it should be declared unlawful 2. Being declared so if any practised it as men must do or Traffick will fall that there should be a penalty upon the Usurer which might amount to an Excise or Custom that would arise from that money if employed in merchandize 3. That yet if any exacted above five in the hundred they should lose the principal A rate that on the one hand would keep up the necessary Commerce of Lending and Borrowing among the Old and the Idle and yet direct men to that more neâ—essary of buying and improving Land and other Commodities that are more industrious and ingenious 4. That none yet presume this but in some principal places of merchandizing for then as my Lord Bacon hath projected it they will hardly be able to colour other mens money in the Country for no man will lend his money far off or put it into unknown hands Or Lastly That there be no money lent out upon terms but to the State which may make its advantage of it Indeed considering on the one hand that Usury decayeth the Kings Custom bringeth money to few hands damps Industry and Invention beats down the price of the land and by eating up private Estates breeds a publick poverty It were to be wished it were forbidden And on the other That Borrowers trade most that No usury no young Merchants that Without usuâ—y men must sell their Estates at under-rates more sad than usury that No borrowing no living no usury no borrowing It were wished it were regulated so that the inconveniences of it were avoided and the advantages retained and extortâ—on be checked as Traffick is encouraged Thus he that hath no private care advanceth the publick Good and the childless man is most thoughtful for Posterity Certainly the best Works and of greatest merit for the Publick have proceeded from the unmarried or the childless man who both in affection and means have married and endowed the Publick He that hath Wife and Children hath given Hostages to Fortune For they are Impediments either to Vertue or Mischief A fat man in Rome riding always upon a very lean Horse being asked the Reason thereof answered That he fed himself but he trusted others to feed his Horse Our Judge being asked what was the best way to thrive said Never do anything by another that you can do by your self Observations on the Life of Doctor Thomas Wilson THomas Wilson born in Lincolnshire was Doctor of Laws bred Fellow of
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
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
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
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
help him to a young Wife but he must raise him to a new Power Wolsey must be Pope or King Henry could not be divorced and to make all sure he was no sooner to be parted from a Daughter of Spain than he was to be joyned to a Princess of France whose Nuptial Ring should wed King Henry to Her and King Francis to Himself Two ways did he disoblige Queen Anne Bullein that was his deadly enemy 1. by dissolving the Contract between her and the Lord Piercy the Earle of Northumberlands Eldest Son to please the King 2. by endeavouring to hinder or at least delay the Marriage between her and the King to gratifie himself whom in vain afterwards by Inventions unheard of he endeavoured to please as well as the King when he saw the Contrivances of a great Wit the Allurements of a Famous Beauty and the malice of a disappointed Woman joyned to the envy of the greatest Lord whom he had ordered as irrespectively as the meanest subject When it is once past Noon with a Court-Favourite it is presently Night with him for knowing that the Cardinal was cunning and the King not yet cruel they longed to have him at York while at Londen and again they contrive to bring him to London while at York the first upon pretense that he might do good the last with design that he might do no harme Sed nullae sunt occultiores insidiae quà m hae quae latent in simulatione officij as he observed the method of some old cunning Parliament-men who when they had a mind to cross a Bill were always highest for it in the House as the Eagle carried the shell up in the skye to break it and would insert so many and so great inconveniences into the Act that they were sure it could never pass Tuta frequensque via est per amici fallere nomen Missing of Power he meditates Honour and instead of lavishing his infinite Treasure upon airy Expectations he bestoweth it on real Monuments witness the great work at Callice c. which makes his Memory a Renowned as his Life That Statesman lives to small purpose whose Actions are as short as his Life and his Exploits of no longer duration than his Age. At this time though King Henry bore the Sword yet Cardinal Wolsey as I am told bore the stroâ—e all over the Land being Legate a latere by verâ—us whereof he visited all Churches and Religion Houses even the Friers Observants themselves notwithstanding the stoutness and stubbornness that first opposed him Papal and Royal Power met in him being the Chancellour of the Land and keeping so many Bishopricks in Commendam that his yearly Income is said to equal if not exceed the Revenues of the Crown He gave the first blow to Religious Houses by making one great Cardinal Colledge now Christ-Câ—urch of which one comparing his project with his performance said Instituit Collegium absolvit Popinam And another being asked what he thought of the ampleness of the Foundation answered Fundatione nihil amplius to which I may add his Colledge at Ipswich of forty small Monasteries to make way as some thought upon the Popes consent procured by him to the overthrow of all He called all Captains and Officers to an accounâ— who bought off their own small corruption with his great one and paid him the penalties of their Cheats with the Gains of it the Richest of them escaping and the poorest only made exemplary Several Courts of pretended Equity he erected to redress the poor that was the Colour to inrich himself that was the Reality at whose constitution the Law-Courts were unfrequented so specious was their seeming Integrity at the lsâ—t they are deserted so manifest was their real Grievances the people not flocking so fast aâ—ter the Novelty as they ran away from the Cheat though his pretense was fair that the Kingdome should not be a Common-Wealth of Fish where the greater devoured the Less What he did to reform the Courtiers as a Fâ—vourite he did to reform the Clergy as Legate erecting a Court Legantine not without danger of a Praemunire wherein all Clergy were visited the Rich in their Purses that excused them the Poor in their Reputation that compounded for them Neither did his profits arise from the Living onely but the Dead he engrossing the Probation of all Wills and Testaments within his own Court he had petty projects viz. that Children should foâ—low their Fathers Profession saying that he observed that the Fathers Eminency in any act begat in the Child a propension to the same and wheâ—e two or three successiâ—e Generations happily insist in the steps one of another they raise an art to great peâ—fection and liked well the prudence of our Parliaments in permitting the Eldest Son of Barons to be pâ—esent at their Câ—nsultations to fit them by degrees for the person they are to sustain And not long after he hath a Paâ—eâ—t under the Great Seal of England to do what he pleased in the French Couâ—t in order to the Kingâ— Progresse thither as he hath likewise afâ—er with his Masters leave under the great seal of France After which honour he was with the Kings Order by English Subjects the Lord Mayor and Aldermen c. honoured at no lesse rate than that of a Prince and by the Clergy who kept close to the publick temper with Processions c. at the same rate with a Pope Great he was in England greater in Germany where all the Nobiliâ—y attended him the Great Seal of England was carried before him and the Emperour oâ—serving his Commission and Honour met him with his whole Train and harangued it with him no less than two days He that over-ruled Empires might well presume on Subjects and no sooner therefore doth he return than by his own Authority he levieth four shillings in the pound of every man that was worth fifty pound per annum and when that would not do pretending to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen that he had been upon his Knees to revoke those Commissiâ—ns other Letters for a Benevolence which lost him as much in the Countrey as his Reformation of the Houshold did him at Court But the King employeth him to France as his Second and takes his leave of him as hiâ— intimate Friend 1200 Horse attended him Calliceâ— Bullein Amiens honour him with the name of The Peaceable Cardinal and the Statue of a Cardinal Rescuing a Church and a Pope from danger whom yet underhand he brought into danger making the Duke of Bourbon General against the King of France to Revenge himself and yet making an underhand Peace with France which the Duke knew not of till he took the Instrument of Peace Sealed at the Castle of Pavia to please others for which last exploit carried on privately by receiving the French Ambassadour as an Italian Jester the Duke of Bourbon resolved to goe and Sack Rome and punish all the Cardinals he could come at for the fault
Let any man think as he pleaseth I like this room well 15. It 's easier to prevent than redress Indeed throughout his Works he argueth sharply he reasoneth profoundly he urgeth aptly stateeth exactly expresseth himself elegantly and diâ—courseth learnedly He would rather convince than punish yet he would rather punish than indulge them his Epitaph be speaking him grievous to Hereticks Thieves and Murtherers When King Henry scrupled his fiâ—st marriage Sir Thomas told him That neither he nor my Lord of Durham were so fit to advise him in that case as St. Augustine St. Jerome and the other Fathers His advice was so unseasonable that it opposed the King yetâ— so grave and honest that it pleased him His Experience and Prudence had a fore-fight next door to Prophecy and from the unquiet times oâ— King Henry did he guess the ruine of King Charles He would say that it would never be well in England until the same course obtained there that did in Syria where Zeleucus was so severe against Innovators that he enacted that if any Man made a proposition for a change in their policy he should make it with an Halter about his Neck that if he failed to justify it by reason he should justify his attempt by suffering because as some Philosophers hold that there is not so much as an Aspin Leaf stirreth in one part of the World but it maketh some alteration in the whole the efficacy of it like Drake and Cavendish compassing the Globe of the Earth and making the eighth Sphere of Heaven tremble so wise men know that every change in a State altereth the constitution and the effects of an Innovation in the body politick circleth as do those of a new Imprâ—ssion according to Harvey's method upon a body natural though I must confess that many new proposals are opposed not for the distant effects of them feared in the Common-wealth but for some neer influence they may have upon some Mens private Interest It hath been given out that the burning of our Heaâ—hs in England did hurt their Vines in France bâ—t wise Men looked upon this pretense â—s a meer scare-crow or made-dragon the hurt it did was neerer home to destroy the young moore-fowles and spoyl some young burgesses game He converted many with his Arguments more with his Prayers which workt wonders of reformation on the erroneous as they did of recovery on the weak He wished three things to Chriâ—tendome 1. An Universal Peace 2. An Uniform Religion 3. A Reformation rather of Lives than Religion He never aâ—ked any thing of his Majesty but Employment and nevâ—r took any thing more acceptable than Service His Alms were liberal to his Neighbours and good works numerous towards God He would take no Fees from the poor and but moderate ones from the Rich. All London was obliged to him for his Counsel at home and all England for his Peace at Cambray where he out-did expectation The King raised him to the Chancellorship but not to his own opinion he professed he would serve his Majesty but he must obey his God he would keep the Kings conscience and his own His Wisdome and Parts advanced him his Innocence and Integrity ruined him his Wit pleased the King but his Resolution crossed him Wolsey was not so proud and reserved as Sir Thomas was open and free to the meanest his mind was not so dazled with honour but he could fore-â—ee his â—all When his â—onâ— complained how little they gained under him I will do juâ—â—ice said he for your sakes to any man and I will leave you a blessing decâ—eeing one day against his own son that would not hear reason Fiâ—st he offered the Judges the Reformation of Grievances and when they refused he did it himself No Subpoena was granted but what he saw no Order but what he pâ—rused nothing passed from â—im towards the suâ—ject but what became a good Magistrate nothing towards his Master but what became a faithful servant Neither King nor Qâ—een could corrupt neither could the whole Church in Convocation fast â—n any thing upon him To one who told him of hiâ— Detractâ—rs he said Would you have me punish those by whom I reap more benefitâ— than by all you my friends Peâ—fect Patience is the Companion of tâ—ue Peâ—fection But he managed not his trust with more integrity and dexterity than he left it with honour leaving not one cause undecided in the Chancery foreseeing that he could not at once conâ—ent his Majesty and his own heart His Servanâ—s upon his fall he disposed oâ— as well as his Children and his Children he taught to live soberly in a great estate and nobly in a mean one He never put an Heretick to death when Châ—ncellour neither would he suffer Heresies to live when a private man When my Lord Cromwel came to him in his retirement he advised him to tell â—he King what he ought not what he can do so shall you shew your self a true and faithful servant and a right worthy Councellour for if a Lyon knew his own strength hard were it for any man to rule him The King feared him when he could not gain him therefore he was â—iâ—ted in his â—ormer carriage and present temper whicâ— continued constant to his duty and even under his changes He was open-hearted to all that came yet so wary in his discourse with the Maid of Kent â—hat his enemies confessed he deserved rather hâ—nor tâ—an a check for that matter When the Duke oâ— Norfolk told him that the wrath of a Prince is death he said Nay if that be all you must die to morrow and I to day He behaved himself at all Examinations at once wisely and honestly When Archbishop Cranmer told him he must obey the King which was certain rather than follow his conscience that Lesbian rule which was uncertain he replyed It 's as certain that I must not obey the King in evil as that I must follow my conscience in good When the Abbot of Westminster told him his conscience should yield to the wisdom of the Kingdom he said He would not conform his conscience to one Kingdom but to the whole Church He underwent his sufferings with as much cheerfulness as his preferment pleasing himself with his misfortunes and enjoying his misery resolving to obey God rather than man to leave others to their own consciences to close with the Catholick Church rather than the Church of England and to submit to general Councils rather than â—o Parliaments Mr. Rich put to him this Question Whether if the Parliament made a Law that he were Pope would he not submit to it and he replyed If the Parliament made another that God should not be God would you obey it Though he could not own the Kings Supremacy yet he would not meddle with it either in his Writings or discourse shewing himself at once a civil man a good Christian and a noble Confessour His soul was well setled his stature was
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
whom his arguments and his own Interest drew off from France Sir Robert helping him to some Observations touching the breach of the Article of Cambray as his pretense to this alteration and offering him what men and money he pleased as his encouragement to this undertaking Sending in the mean time one Nicolas West D. L. and Dean of Windsor to feel the Pulse of all the Princes in Christendome and advising upon an entire reflection on their several Interests the repair of our frontier Towns and Forts an Army ready in the North and a constant Parliament He is Deputy of Calice and Viceroy of France What the French lost in the Fieâ—d they got by Treaty until Sir Richard's time whose Policy went as far as his Masters Power in that Accord Which tyed up they said the French Kings hands behind his back and the Scotch between his legs Yea he almost perswaded Maximilian out of his Empire 1615. though he wished the King not to accept of until the French were out of Italy Some do bettâ— by Friends or Letters Sir Robert best by himselâ— observing that he never failed but when he iâ—â—trusted others with what he could do himself hâ—â— person breeding regard and his eye seeing morâ— than any he could employ and his present minâ— being more ready in his own affairs upon any aâ—â—teration to come on draw back or otherwise acâ—comodate matters than any Substitute who seeâ—â— not the bottom of things nor turn to occasionsâ— He had about him his Blades and Gallants to exâ—postulate his Orators and fair-spoken-men tâ— perswade his close and subtile ones to enquiâ—â— and observe his froward men to perplex anâ— his plain Agents to report Attendants for alâ— services whose experience made them knowing and confident Doctor West Pace Lee and Gardener's way was the Circuit afar off Sir Robert's was the Surprize quick and nicked No man observing time more closely no man watching Natures tempers interests advantages and ends more indeâ—atigably It was the observation of those dayes That Sir Robert Wingfield was the best to prepare and ripen Designs and Sir Thomas Bolen to execute them But that Age was two boysterous and he too wary to advance beyond the reputation of a knowing Agent in which câ—pacity he lived or of a resolved Patriot with which honour he dieth Observations on the Life of Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham HIs Blood was high his Revenue large and he was born to adorn the Court rather than to serve it He vied with the King in Gallantry and with the Cardinal in Pride of the one he speaks irreverently That Women governed him more than he did the Kingdome of the other indiscreetly That Francis governed France and Harry England and Wolsey both adding That the Commonalty might well complain when we had two Kings to maintain That which ruineth the world ruineth him his Tongue Fate never undid a man without his own indiscretion and her first stroke is at the Head Abroad none more Gorgeous at Home none more Noble at Court splendid among his Tenants Prince-like to his Relations impartial A Servant always pulled down the house of the Staffords and now one Knevet his Steward whom he had discharged for oppressing his Tenants undoeth him for his Father in-law the Earl of Northumbeâ—land is set under a Cloud and his Son-in-law the Earl of Surrey is removed on pretense of honourable employment out of the way and Wolsey's malice at the Duke hath its full scope who now deals with Knevets discontent to discover his Masters life and suggest that the Duke by way of discourse was wont to say how he meant to use the matter that if King Henry died without issue he would attain the Crown and punish the Cardinal George Nevil Lord Abergavenny his Son-in-law impeached him to save himâ—elf His Title to the Crown was his Descent from Anne Plantagenet Daughter of Thomas of Woodâ—tock Son to Edward the third His Accusation was 1. That he had conferred with a Cunning Man Hopkins Monk of Henton concerning the future state of this Realm who advised him to Popularity for he should have all if he had but the love of the People the Wizard confirming this by Revolutions and the Duke rewarding it with great encouragment 2. That he disparaged the present Government and used Arts to secure the succession 3. That he had threatned King Henry with the same Dâ—gger that should have murthered Richard the third He denied the Charge very eloquently and disclaimed his Life very rashly his foolish words rather than any designed malice deserving rather pity then judgement Much lamented was he by the People and as much was the Cardinal maliced being now called by the whole multitude The Butchers Son When Buckingham fell three things fell with him 1. The Splendour of the Court. 2. Hospitality and good Landlords in the Country And 3. The High-Constableship of England All Greatness is subject to Envy but none more than that which is insolent and affected being never its self without its pomp and shew Plain and modest Greatness is only safe A Witch then blasts a man when most prosperous and the Envious the onely Wizard in the world when most glorious Wise men therefore have eclipsed themselves that they might not be gazed on and great Ones have shrunk and suffered themselves to be oveâ—-born to be secure Vain-glorious men are the scorn of the Wise the admiration oâ— Fools the Idols of Parasites and the envy of the Unworthy the Busie the Unfortunate the Ambitious and the Rivals He lives well that lives in peace and he is safely gâ—eat that is great in his Conscience Anger sure is but a weakness in any man it belongeth so much to the Aged and the Childish and an indecency in a Nobleâ—man yet it might have been a Gallantry in this Duke had it noâ— 1. Revealed secrets and so betrayed him And 2. Spoke bitterly and dangerously and so abused him So far will Discontent carry Nature that it easily believes what it wisheth So much doth a Prophetick Vanity sway English-men that have the most of men of any in the world in Divinations and an itch to know things to come that the wittiest Sir Thomas More the most devout Bishop Fisher the wisest Cardinal Wolsey and the most Noble the Duke of Buckingham have been undone by hearkening after Pâ—edictions the two first of Elizabeth Barton the third of Iohn Sacheveril and the fouâ—th Monk Hopkins Always are these Divinations like the Astâ—ologers in Rome by seveâ—e Laws forbidden yet alwâ—ys aâ—e they by vain persons obtruded Many Wives wo England hardned many a Male-content to his ruine in King Henry the eighth's time When HEMPE is spun England is done encouraged many a Papiâ—t to his undoing in Queen Elizabeths time Leo Nullus confirmed many a deluded soul to hiâ— downfal in our days It was as fatal to this great man to trust his Steward as his Wizard the one deluded the other betrayed him It undoeth a man to
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
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
England since the Reformation their Rise and Growths Prudence and Policies Miscarriages and Falls during the Reigns of Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth King Iames and King Charles the first in Octav. by D. Lloyd A. M. The Precedency of Kings in Folio by Iames Howel Esquire The Description of Tangier with an account of the Life of Gayland Usurper of the Kingdom of Fez in Quarto The Golden Coast or a Description of Guiney in Quarto An Abridgement of the three Volumns of Sir George Crookes Reports in Octavo An Abridgement of the Reports of Sir Francis More in Octavo The Compleat Lawyer by William Noy of Lincolns-Inne in Octavo The Tenants Law a Treatise of great use for Tenants and Farmers of all kinds and all other persons whatsoever Wherein the several Natures Differences and kinds of Tenures and Tenants are discussed and several Cases in Law touching Leases Rents Distresses Replevins and other accidents between Landlord and Tenants and Tenant and Tenant between themselves and others especially such who have suffered by the late conflagration in the City of London by R. T. Gent. in Twelves Memories of the Lives Actions Sufferings and Deaths of those Noble Reverend and excellent Personages that suffered by Death Sequestration Decimation or otherwise for the Protestant Religion and the great Principle thereof Allegiance to their Sovereign in our late intestine Wars in Folio by D. Lloyd A. M. Arithmetical Recreations by W. Leybourne in Twelves The Reports of Sir Henry Hobart in F. The Compleat Copy-holder by the Lord Cooke in Octavo Machiavels Discourses and Prince in Twelves The Roman History of Lucius Florus in English in Octavo The City and Country Purchaser and Builder with directions for purchasing building and improving of Lands and Houses in any part of England in Octavo by Stephen Primate Gent. A brief Chronicle of the late intestine War in the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland from the years of our Lord 1637. to the year 1663. in Fol. by Iames Heath Gent. The new Academy of Complements erected for Ladies and Gentlemen containing variety of Complements and Letters fitted to the occasions of all persons of both Sexes with an exact Collection of the newest and choicest Songs a la mode both Amorous and Jovial in Twelves Systema Agriculturae being the whole Mystery of Husbandry made known by I. W. Gent. in Folio The Kings Primmer containing easie and pleasant directions for the reading of English in Thirty two Kings Psalter stored with observable varieties fit either for the School or for the Closet all which are profitable plain and pleasant in Octavo The Life and Death of that matchless Mirrour of Heroick Vertues Henrietta Maria de Bourbon late Queen to King Charles the first and Mother to the most Magnificent Prince King Charles the second in Twelves An Advertisement To all Gentlemen Booksellers or others WHereas Samuel Speed Bookseller hath lately disposed himself to a whole-Sale trade for Books not making any appearance of that imployment as â—ormerly he did These are to Certifie That those persons that please to apply themselves to him for Books shall be as well used as by any person whatsoever and whosoever hath any Study or Library of Books or Copies either in Manuscript or such as have been already Printed to dispose of shall receive from him the full value thereof to the said Parties ample satisfaction FINIS THE States-Men Favourites OF ENGLAND IN The Reign of Q. MARY Observations on the Life of Sir William Cordel SIR William Cordel where ever he was born had a fair Estate at Long-Melford in Suffalâ— and lieth buried in that fair Church under a decent Monument We will tranâ—late his Epitaph which will perfectly acquaint us with the great Offices he had and good Offices he did to Posterity Hic Gulielmus habet requiem Cordelliae avito Stemmate qâ—i elanus claâ—iâ—r ingeâ—io Hiâ— Studiis primos consumpsit foâ—titer dunos Mox causarum strenâ—â—â— actor eratâ— Tanta illi doctrina inerat facundia tanta Vâ— Parlamento publica linguaforet Postea factus Eques Reginae arcana Maria Conâ—ilia Patriae grande subibat opus Factus est Custos Rotulorum urgente senecta In Christo moriens cepit ad astra viam Pauperibus largus victum vestemque ministrans Insuper Hospitii condidit ille domum Here William Cordel doth in rest remain Great by his Birth but greater by his Brain Plying his studies hard his youth throughout Of Causes he became a Pleader stout His Learning deep such Eloquence did vent He was chose Speaker to the Parliament Afterwards Knight Queen Mary did him make And Counsellour State-Work to undertake And Master of the Rolls Well-worn with Age Dying in Christ Heaven was his utmost Stage Diet and Clothes to poor he gave at large And a fair Alms-House founded on his charge He was made Master of the Rolls November the fifth in the fifth of Queen Mary continuing therein till the day of his death the 23 of Queen Elizabeth Eight weeks and upwards passed between the Proclaiming of Queen Mary and the first Parliament by her assembled duâ—ing which time two Religions were together set on foot Protestantism and Popery the former hoping to be continued the latter labouring to be restored And as the Jews Children after the Captivity spake a middle Language betwixt Hebrew and Ashdâ—d so during the foresaid Interim the Churches and Chappels in England had a mixt celebration of their Divine Service between Reformation and Superstition The â—ame day there was a Mass sung for Edward the Sixth's soul in the Tower and the English Service for his Burial in Westminster No small justling was there between the zealous Promoters of these contrary Perswasions The Protestants had the Law on their side and the Papists the Prerogative These the Queens Opinion the other her Promise Besides seeing by the Fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolk Protestant Gentry the Queen was much advantaged for the Recovery of her Right they conceived it but reason that as she by them regained the Crown so they under her should enjoy their Consciences Thus it is in the Evening Twilight wherein Light and Darkness at first may seem very equally marched but the later in a little time doth wholly prevaiâ— The Catholick canvass for the next Parliament upon the Queens credit and authorityâ— the Reformed upon the Nations Inclination The Body of the Kingdom meets and chuseth our Knight for Speaker whose temper was a Representative of the Parliament as that is of the Kingdom A temper made up of an equal mixture of Loyalty and Piety that could at once stand to their Religion and submit to their Soveraign Render to Caesar what was Caesars and to God what was Gods Long did he expect that the Queen would comply with the Parliament and as long did she stay for their compliance with her Unite they could not unanimously among themselves dissolved they are therefore peaceably
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
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
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
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
by which unsteady carriage He so befooled his Adversarie with their Spies and Pensioners as they were at a loâ—s what to inform their Patrons of or themselves how to resolve Fortune and Conduct set up this Favourite it falling in his Character as at Primero and otheâ— Plays wherein Fortune is directed and conducted by Art The best and subtilest Gamester may lose if it cross him but if it smiles and favours he knoweth best how to manage and govern it Five things raised this person to a respect as great as his fortune to be as high in the Queens favour as he was in his Descenâ— 1. A Civility set off with State 2. A pleasing Modesty of Countenance and Afâ—fability of Speech ennameled with Gravity 3. A Boldness attended with Patience 4. A great Capacity enlivened with as great Dexterity And 5. An Integrity secured with wariness in the darke of which quality both in his Expression and in his Actions he wrapped himself as this sepia to preserve her self undiscovered doth shed forth about her a quantity of blushes in his blood to hide her self from the Fisherman Observations on the Life of the Lord Willoughby THe Lord Willoughby was one of the Queens first Sword-men he was of the antient extract of the Bartâ—es but more ennobled by his Mother who was Dutchess of Suffolk He was a great Master of the Art Military and was sent General into France and commanded the second of five Armies that the Queen sent thither in aid of the French As he was a great Souldier so was he of a sutable Magnanimity and could not brook the obsequiousness and assiduity of the Court at that timâ— He had more favour than he courted and he courted more rather to comply with the Queens humour than his own inclination than he desired He would say and that saying did him no good saith Sir Robert Naunton That he was none of the Reptilia being made Brother to march as a Souldier than to creep as a Courtier But Civility must allay Nature in a Courtier Prudence regulate it in a States-man and modest submission check and soften it in a Subject It s as dangerous to be stubbornly abave the kindness as it is to be factiously against the power of Princes Willoughby got nothing Stanlâ—y lost all his haughtiness which when it cannot be obliged is suspected But his service in France Holland and on the Borders compounded for his roughness so that they who could not endure he should be high at Court were pleased he should be so in the Field Stiffness which displeased when looked on as Pride at home took when heard to be Resolution abroad Each Nature is advanced in its own Element Leicester among the Ladies my Lord Willoughby among the Souldiers Itâ—s a step to Greatness to know our own way to it to exercise shew our proper Vertues as he did â—iâ— Magnanimity in these two instances among many others 1. When one challenged him then sick of the Gout he said That though he were lame in his feet and hands yet he would carry a Rapier in his teeth to fight his Adversary 2. Having taken a Spanish Gennet designed a present to that King and being offered either 1000 l. or 100 l. a year in exchange for it he nobly answered If it had been a Commander he would have freely released him but being onely a Horse he saw no reason he could not keep a good Horse as well as the King of Spain himself Sir Christopher Hatton was to an excess a courtier and my Lord Willoughby so a Souldier Queen Elizabeth on the Lord Willoughby Good Peregrine WE are not a little glad that by your Journey you have received such good fruit of amendment specially when we consider what great vexations it is to a mind devoted to actions of honor to be restrained by any indisposition of body from following those courses which to your own reputation and our great satisfaction you have â—ormerly performed And therefore as we must now out of our desire of your vvell-doing chiefly enjoyn you to an eâ—pecial care to encrease and continue your health vvhich must give life to all your best endeavours so we must next as seriously recommend to you this consideration That in these times when there is such appearance that we shall have the â—ryal of our best noble Subjectâ—â— you fâ—â—m not to affect the satisfaction of your own private contentation beyond the attending of that vvhich Nature and Duty challengeth from all persons of your quality and Profession For if necessarily your health of body being recovered you should Eloign your self by residence there from those Employmentâ— vvhereof we shall have too good store you shall not so much amend the state of your body as happily you shall call in question the reputation of your mind and judgement even in the opinion of those that love you and are best acquainted vvith your Disposition and Discretion Interpret this our plainness vve pray you to our extraordinary estimation of you for it is not common vvith us to deal so freely with many and believe that you shall ever find us both ready and vvilling in all occasions â—o yield you the fruits of that interest vvhich your Endeavours have purchased for you in our Opinion and Estimation Not doubting but when you have vvith moderation made tryal of the success of these your sundry Peregrinations you vvill find as great comfort to spend your days at home as heretofore you have done of which we do wish you full measure howsoever you shall have cause of abode or return Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Nonsuch the seventh of October 1594. in the 37 year of our Reign Your most loving Soveraign E R. Observations on the Life of Sir Philip Sidney HE was son to Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy of Ireland and President of Wales A Person of great parts and in no mean grace with the Queen His Mother was Sister to my Lord of Leicester from whence we may conjecture how the Father stood up in the place of Honour and Employment so that his Descent was apparently Noble on both sides For his Education it was such as Travel and the University could afford for after an incredible proficiency in all the species of Learning he left the Academical life for that of the Court whither he came by his Uncles invitation famed aforehand by a Noble report of his Accomplishments which together with the state of his Person framed by a natural propension to Arms he soon attracted the good opinion of all men and was so highly prized in the good opinion of the Queen that she thought the Court deficient without him and whereas through the fame of his deserts he was in the election for the Kingdome of Poland she refused to further his advancement not out of Emulation but out of fear to lose the Jewel of her times He married the daughter and sole Heir of Sir Francis Walsingham then
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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-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
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
exquisitely written in Arabick and sought in â—he mâ—â—â— remote parts by the diligence of Erpeâ—â—â—â— the â—ost excellent Linguist These had been left to the Widow of the said Erpenius and were upon sail to the Jesuites of Antwerp liquorish Chapmen of such Ware Whereof the Duke getting knowledge by his worthy and learned Secretary Doctor Mason inâ—erverted the bargain and gave the poor Widow for them fivâ— hundred pounds a sum above their weight in silver and a mixed act both of bounty and charity the more laudable being much out of his natural Element These were they which after his death were as nobly preâ—ented as they had been bought to Cambridge by his Dutchess as soon as she understood by the foresaid Doctor her Lords intention to furnish the said University with other choice Collections from all parts at his own charge The Duke's Answers to his Appeachments in number thirteen I find very diligently and civilly couched and though his heart was big yet they all savour of an humble spirit one way and an equitable consideration another which could not but possess every vulgar conceit and somewhat allay the whole matter that in the bolting and sifting of near fourteen years of such power and favour all that came out could not be expected to be pure and white and fine Meal but must needs have withal among it a certain mixture of Padar and Bran in this lower age of humane fragility Howsoever this tempest did only shake and not rent his Sails His defence against danger was noble but his contempt of it nobler for when Sir George Goring advised him only to turn out of the ordinary road He resolved not to wave his way upon this reason perhaps more generous than provident That if as he said he should but once by such a diversion make his enemy believe he were afraid of danger he should never live without And when his young Nephew the Lord Viscount Fielding offered him another time to put on his Coat and â—lew Ribbon while they passed through a Town where they apprehended some design against the Duke He would not as he said accept of such an offer in that case from a Nephew whose life he tendered as much as himself But after some short â—â—rection to his company he rode on without â—erturbation of mind though a drunken fellow â—â—id hold of his Bridle under pretence of begging 〈◊〉 begin a tumult Neither for ought I can hear was there any further enquiry into that practice the Duke peradventure thinking it wisdom not to reserve discontentments too deep But in the middest of these little dangers his Grace was not unmindful of his civil course to cast an eye upon the ways to win unto him such as have been of principal credit in the lower house of Parliâ—ment applying lenitives or subducting from that part where he knew the Humours were sharpest amidst which thoughts he was surprized by a fatal stroke written in the black book of Necessity Whereof he was forewarned as well by his own as others apprehensions as appears by his last Addresses to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury the Earl of Holland and his sacred Majesty And certain it is that some good while before Sir Clement Throckmorton a Gentleman then living of grave judgement had in a private conference advised him to wear a privy Coat whose counsel the Duke received very kindly but gave him this answer That against any popular fury a shirt of male would be but a silly defence and as for any single mans assault he took himself to be in no danger So dark is Destiny Since he is dead he is charged 1. For advancing his Relations which yet was humanity in him and not a fault 2. For enriching himself though as it is said of that French Peer he was rich only in Obligations his Estate being at the mercy of Suitors To his familiar Servants so open-handed he was though many of them so ungrateful as to deny relation unto him either about his person in ordinary attendance or about his affairs of State as his Secretaries or of Office as his Steward or of Law as that worthy Knight whom he long used to solicite his Causes He left all both in good Fortune and which is more in good Fame Things very seldom consociated in the instruments of great Personages 3. He had many Offices but committed himself a most willing Pupil to the directions of such as were generally thought fit to manage affairs of that nature condescending to the meanest Arts to adapt himself to his employments 4. He was not bookish it 's true his Affairs forbad him study yet had he a natural readiness to discourse of all subjects which wanted nothing towards applause but the candor and benevolence of his hearers whose dis-ingenuity oft-times turned his most honest discourses to accusations witness that â—bullition of his joy to his Majesty in behalf of his People which Sir Iohn Eliot made Treason against them 5. He was great indeed but gentle and affable insomuch that though his memory were a place so taken up with high thoughts and unlikely to have any room for matters of so small importance he was ever known to entertain his younger acquaintance with much familiarity and all men with that civility wherein was observed his peculiarity happy bravery of deriving favours and conferring them with so many noble Circumstances as the manner was as obliging as the matter and mens understandings oft-times as much puzled as their gratitude 6. He would intercede it 's confessed for poor Malefactors more out of his innate compassion than any design to obstruct the course of Justice believing doubtless saith my Author that hanging was the worst use a man could be put to In fine a Gentleman he was of that choice and curious make for exteriour shape as if Nature had not in his whole frame drawn one line amiss nor was his Fabrick raised by soft and limber studs but sturdy and virile His intellectuals gained him rather the opinion of a wise man thâ—n of a wit His skill in Letters very mean for finding Nature more indulgent to him in the ornâ—ments of the body than of the mind the tendency of his youthful Genius was rather to improve those excellencies wherein his choice felicity consisted than to addict himself to morose and sullen Bookishness therefore his chief exercises were dancing fencing vaulting and the like as indications of strenuous Agility yet could he have foreseen where all the Climacteries and motions of his Advance should have terminated that from no more than a meer Gentleman it should be his luck to vault into the dignity of a Duke and trust of a Privy-Counsellor we may presume his early studies would not have cast so much neglect upon a thing so imporâ—ant to him as a Statesman though not very fashionable as a Courtier The temperature of his mind was as to moral habits rather disposed to good than bad his deportment was most affable and
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
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
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
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
only discovered many false Writings which were past but also deterred dishonest Chearers from attempting the like for the future He made good use of Bishop Usher's Interest while he was there as appears by the excellent Speech that the Bishop made for the King's supply Being recalled into England he lived honourably in the County aforesaid until by a sad casualty he broke his Leg on a Stand in Theobald's Park and soon after dyed thereof He married the sole Daughter and Heir of Sir Lawrence Tanfield Chief Baron of the Exchequer by whom he had a fair Estate in Oxfordshire His death happened Anno Dom. 1620. being Father to the most accomplish-Statesman 2. Lucius Lord Falkland the wildness of whose youth was an argument of the quickness of his riper years He that hath a spirit to be unruly before the use of his reason hath mettle to be active afterwards Quick-silver if fixed is incomparable besides that the adventures contrivances secrets confidence trust compliance with opportunity and the other sallies of young Gallants prepare them more serious undertakings as they did this noble Lord great in his Gown greater in his Buffe able with his Sword abler with his Pen a knowing Statesman a learned Scholar and a stout man One instance of that excess in learning and other great perfections which portended ruine to this Nation in their opinion who write that all Extreams whether of Vertue or Vice are ominous especially that unquiet thing call'd Learning whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth its own period and that of the Empire it flourisheth in a too universally dilated Learning being not faithful to the settlements either of Policy or Religion it being no less ready to discover blemishes in the one than Incongruities in the other Sophisters saith my smart Author like the Countrey of the Switz being as able upon the least advantage proposed to engage on the wrong side as on the right As to go no further this excellent Personage being among the Demagogues that had been for twelve years silenced and were now to play the prize in Parliament and shew their little twit-twat but tedious faculties of speaking makes the bitterest Invective against the Governours and government of the Church that ever was penned in English â— which though designed by him it 's thought only to allay the fury of the Faction by some compliance with it carried things beyond the moderation and decency of that Assembly which he made too hot for himself retyring in cooler thoughts as many more that like Brutus could not lay the stormâ— they had raised to Oxford where his Pen was more honourably imployed in deâ—ecting the fundamental Error of Rome their infallibility and countermining the main props of Westminster their Hypocrisie this as Secretary the other as a Student in both laying open the little preâ—ensions whereby poor people were insnared in their Civil and Religious Liberty Much was the gall always in his Ink and very sharp his Pen but even flowing and full his Style such as became him whose Learning was not an unsetled mass of reading that whirled up and down in his head but fixed Observations that tempered with solid prudence and experience were the steady Maxims of his Soul fitted for all times and occasions he having sate as some Noble-mens sons used to do formerly in the House of Lords behind the Chair of State from his very child-hood and owning a large heart capable of making that universal inspection into things that much becomes a Gentleman being a Master in any thing he discoursed of Insomuch that his general knowledge husbanded by his wit and set off by his Meine and Carriage attracted many to come as far to see him as he professed he would go to see Mr. Daillee which rendred him no less necessary than admirable at Court until his Curiosity engaging him at Newbery he was strangely slain there dying as he lived till then between his Friends and Enemies to the King 's great grief who valued him because he understood his parts and services in the Treaty at Oxford where he was eminent for two things the timing of Propositions and concealing of Inclinations though no man so passionate for his dedesign as never enduring that hope that holds resolution so long in suspence but ever allaying it with that fear that most commonly adviseth the best by supposing the worst His usual saying was I pity unlearned Gentlemen in a rainy day 3. He was Father first to Henry Lord Falkland whose quick and extraordinary parts and notable spirit performed much and promised more having a great command in the Countrey where he was Lord-Lieutenant a general respect in the house where he was Member a great esteem at Court with his Majesty and his Royal Highness the Duke of York where he was both wit and wisdom When there was the first opportunity offered to honest men to act he laid hold of it and got in spight of all opposition to a thing called a Parliament By same token that when some urged he had not sowed his wilde Oats he is said to reply If I have not I may sow them in the House where there are Geese enough to pick them up And when Sir F. N. should tell him he was a little too wilde for so grave a service he is reported to reply Alas I am wilde and my Father was so before me and I am no Bastard as c. In which Contention he out-did the most active Demagogues at their own weapon speaking When Major Huntington and his followers were for the long Parliament Sir F. N. L. S. c. were for the secluded Members My Lord carried all the County for an absolute free Parliament which he lived to see and act in so successfully that he was voted generally higher in trusts and services had he not been cut off in the prime of his years as much missed when dead as beloved when living A great instance of what a strict Education for no man was harder bred a general Converse and a noble Temper can arrive to and what an Orator can do in a Democracy where the Affections of many is to be wrought upon rather than the judgment of few to be convinced A golden tongue falling under a subtle head under such a constitution hath great influence upon the whole Nation Observations on the Life of Sir James Ley Earl of Marlborough SIr Iames Ley son of Henry Ley Esquire one of great Ancestry who saith my Author on his own cost with his men valiantly served King Henry the Eighth at the siege of Boloin being his Fathers sixth son and so in probability barred of his inheritance endeavoured to make himself an Heir by his Education applying his Book in Brazeâ—-Nose-Colledge and afterwards studying the Laws of the Land in Lincolus-Inne wherein such his proficiency King Iames made him Lord Chief-Justice in Ireland Here he practised the charge King Iames gave him at his going over yea what his own tender Conscience gave
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
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
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