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
Soul raised him to this was one That he durst not entertain a Gift which as he said conquers both the foolish and the wise which in publick places iâ— is a Vice to accept and not a Vertue to offer It being a snare rather than a favour His next was Diligence Neglect wastes a man as insensibly as Industry improves him We need no more but sit still and Diseases will arise onely for want of exercise Man 's a Watch that must be looked to and wound up every day the least incuriousness steals to improficiency or offence which degreeingly weighs us down to exâ—remity Diligence alone is a fair Fortune and Industry a good Estate There are five mens Activities that raise to Estates 1. The Divine to a small but an honest one 2. The Physitâ—an to a competency but uncertain 3. The Courtier to a great one and an honorable 4. The Citizen to a large one but not lasting And 5. The Lawyer to one large and firm too Seldom doth his Family faâ—l who is sure to tye his Estate to his Child by an Entail and his Child to his Estate by an Education and an Employment When we observe the several alterations in Gentry we find four principal Actors on the Theatres of great Families the Beginner the Advancer the Continuer and the Ruiner 1. The Beginner who by his vertues refineth himself from the dross of the vulgar and layeth the foundation of his house 2. The Advancer who improveth it 3. The Continuer who conveyeth it to his Posterity as he received it from hâ—s Ancestors 4. The Ruineâ— that degenerates from his Fathers Our Judge began not but advanced that excellent Family whose original I cannot find so ancient it is and whose end I hope none will see it is so noble Observations on the Life of William Howard WIlliam Howard son to Thomas Howard second of that Surname Duke of Norfolk was by Queen Mary created Baron of Essiâ—gham in Surrey and by her made Lord Admiral of England which place he dischargâ—d with credit He was one of the first Favourers and Furtherers with his Purse and Countenance of the strange and wonderful discovery of Ruâ—â—a He died anno Dom. 1554. This Noble Person had his plainness from his Father his ingenuity from his Mother his experience by Travel and Navigation his Blood endeared him to his Soveraign and his Abilities advanced him to her service Hâ— promised no less to his Mistress tâ—an his Fâ—ther and Vncle had performed to her Father The Ancestors merit is security for Posterieâ—ies who will hardly forfeit that favour with one act of their own unworthiness that was ganed by so many of their Predecessors service Like a well-drawn picture this Lord had his eye on all round on his Queen to be faithfull on his Country to be publick-spirited on his Family to be honourable on the present Age to be activâ— and on the future to be renowned The Old Lord Burleigh sometime Treasurer of England coming to Cambridge with Queen Elizabeth when he was led into the publick Schools and had much commended their convenience beauty and greatness together with their Founder Humphrey the good Duke of Glocester Yea marry said he but I find one School wanting in our Universities and that is the School of Discreâ—ion When private Tutors had initiated publick Schools had seasoned and the University had improved this Gentlemans sprightly and noble parts vet did his Father observe one great defect in his Education and that is Discretion Discretion in Carriage for which he sent him to Couâ—t Discretion in Business for which he sent him to travel and fight Not long had he been abroad to furnish himself with experience but he is called home to ennoble himself with action The Alveâ— of Spain were for four Generations together Commanders by Land and the Howards of England for as many Admirals at Sea None ever had more power none used less than he The more Authority he had allowed him over others the more Command he obtained over himself Twice did he mortgage his Estate for his followers pay many times did he venture his life for their encouâ—agement None directed more â—kilfully and yet none acted more resolutely Equally did he divide the profit equally share the honor with his followerâ— who under him never dared and never feared a danger Manners make a man saith the Courtierâ— Money makes a man saith the Citizen Learning makes a man saith the Scholar but Conduct makes a man saith the Souldier This Lords spirit never put hiâ— on so forwardly but his wariness toâ—k care how to come off as safely He that fights should despair but he that commands should hope The Souldier among the Persians is drawn with his eyes before him and the General with his behind him Young men in the manage of Affairs embrace more than they can hold stir more than they can qâ—iet flee to the end without consideration of the means and degrees pursue some few principles and extreme remedies they have chanced upon rashly which they will neither confess nor reform Old men object too much consult too long adventure too little repent too soon and seldome pursue things home to their full period My Lord was an happy composition of both himself and had of either about him that the coldness and wariness of Age might correct the heat of Youth and the activity of younger might be directed by the experience of riper ones The one gave Authority and the other Life to his Actions He himself was better to invent than to judge fitter for Action than Counsel and readier for new Projects than for settled business The Lord Clinton's prudence served him in old and usual matters but in new things abused him My Lord Howard's was quick for present Emergencies but not comprehensive of ordinary transactions Of the three Admirals of those times we may say as they did of the three Kingdoms Lisle was wise before the Action my Lord Howard in itâ— my Lord Clinton after it England without a freedom of commerce was but a larger Prison others opened the Trade to the Indies to Asia and other parts of the world but we wanted the Hemp the Flax the Pitch the Firr and the other usual Commodities of Russia serviceable to our selves and more to our Ships His purse in this case did much his direction more his servant Ieâ—kinson most of all who made curious observations of Russia set forth a Geograâ—hâ—cal description of it and was the first of the English that sailed through the Caspian Sea With his assistance the Muscovia Company was set up in Queen Maries days and with his servants it obtained the Priviledge of sole Traffick into the Northern Parts of Russia in Elizabeth's Nihil habet fortuna magna majus nec natura bona melius quam ut velit bene-facere quam plurimis Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Mountague EDward Mountague Son of Thomas Mountague born at Brigstock in Northampton-shire was bred
they answered or were silent This Spanish Proverb was familiar with him Tell a Lye and find a Truth and this Speak no more than you may safely retreat from without danger or fairly go through with without opposition Some are good onely at some affairs in their own acquaintance Walsingham was ready every where and could make a party in Rome as well as England He waited on mens souls with his eye discerning their secret hearts through their transparent faces He served himâ—elf of the Factions as his Mistress did neither advancing the one nor depressing the other Familiar with Cecil allied to Leicester and an Oracle to Sussex He could overthrow any matter by undertaking it and move it so as it must fall He never broke any business yet carried many He could discourse any matter wiâ—h them that most opposed so that they in opposing it promoted it His fetches and compass to his designed speech were things of great patience and use Twice did he deceive the French as Agent once did he settle the Netherlands as Commissioner and twice did he alter the Government of Scotland as Embassadour Once did France desire he might be recalled because he was too hard for the Counsel for the Hugonots and once did Scotland request his remand because he would have overturned their Constitution 53 Agents did he maintain in Forreign Courts and 18 Spies for two Pistols an Order he had all the private Papers of Europe few Letters escaped his hands whose Contents he could read and not touch the Sealâ— Bellarmine read his Lectures at Rome one moneth and Reynolds hadâ— them confute that next So patient was this wise man Chiselhurst never saw him angry Cambridge nâ—ver passionate and the Court never discomposed Religion was the interest of his Countrey in his judgement and of his Soul therefore he maintained it as sincerely as he lived it it had his head his purse and his heart He laid the great foundaâ—ion of the Protestant Constitution as to its policyâ— and the main plot against the Polish as to its ruine â—e would cherish a plot some years together admitting the Conspirators to his own and the Queens â—â—eâ—ence familiarly but dogging them out watchâ—â—â—â—y his Spiâ—s waited on some men every hour for â—â—â—ee yeaâ—s and leâ—t they could not keep counsel 〈◊〉 dispatched them to forraign parts taking in new Sâ—â—vantsâ— Hâ—s trainâ—ng Parry of who dâ—signed 〈…〉 of Queen Elizabeth the admitting of hiâ— under the pâ—etence of discovering a Plot to the Qâ—eens presence and then letting him go where he would onely on the security of a Dark Sentinel set over him was â— piece of reach and haâ—ard beyond common apprehension But Kingdomes were acted by him as well as private persons It is a likely report saith one that they father on him at his return â—â—om France when the Queen expressed her 〈◊〉 of the â—panish designe on that Kingdome with 〈◊〉 â—â—cernment Madam saith he be content not 〈…〉 the Spaniard hath a great appetite and an 〈…〉 digestion but I have fitted him with a bone for this twenty years that your Majesty shall have no cause to doubt him Prâ—vided that if the fire chance to slack which I have kindled you will be ruled by me and now and then cast in some English fuel which may revive the flame Hâ—â—irst observed the gâ—eat Bishop of Winchester fit to serve the Church upon the unlikely Youths first Sermon at Sâ—â— Alhallows Barking He brought my Lord Cooke first to the Church upon some private discourse with him at his Table The Queen of Scots Letters were all carried to him by her own Servant whom she trusted and decyphered to him by one Philips as they were sealed again by one Gregory so that neither that Queen or her correspondents ever perceived either the Seal defaced or the Letters delayed to her dying day Video Taceo was his saying before it was his Mistresses Motto Hâ— could as well â—it King Iames his humour with sayings out of Xenophon Thucydides Plutarch Tacitus as he could King Henry's with Rablais's conceits and the Hollander with mechanick Discourses In a word Sir Francis Walsingham was a studious and temperate man so publick-spirited that he spent his Estate to serve the Kingdome so faithful that â—e bestowed his years on his Queen so learned that he provided a Library for Kings Colledge of his own Books which was the best for Policy as Cecil's was for History Arundels for Heraldry Cottons for Antiquity and Vshers for Divinity finally he â—qualled all the Statesmen former ages discourse of and hardly hath been equalled by any in following Ageâ— Observations on the Life of the Earl of Leicester THe Lord Leicester was the youngest son then living of Dudley Duke of Northumberland he was also one of the first to whom Queen Elizabeth gave that honour to be master of the horse He was a very goodly person and singular well featured and all his youth well favoured and of a sweet aspect but high foreheaded which was taken to be of no discommendation but towards his latter end grew high-coloured and red-faced The Queen made him Earl of Leicester for the sufferings of his Ancestors sake both in her Fathers and Sisters Reigns The Earl of Essex his death in Ireland and the marriage of his Lady yet living deeply stains his commendation But in the Observations of his Letters and Writings there was not known a Stile or Phrase more religious and fuller of the streams of Devotion He was sent Governour by the Queen to the United States of Holland where we read not of his wonders for they say Mercury not Mars in him had the predominancy To the Policy he had from Northumberland his Father and the Publican Dudley his Grandfather he added it is said Magick and Astrology and to his converse with Wise men his familiarity with Wizards Indeed he would say A States-man should be ignorant of nothing but should have all notices either within his own or his Confidents command His Brother Ambrose was the heir to the Estate and he to the Wisdome of that Family He was the most reserved man of that Age that saw all and was invisible carrying a depth not to be faâ—homed but by the Searcher of Hearts Many fell in his time who saw not the hand that pulled them down and as many died that knew not their own Disease He trusted not his Familiars above a twelve-month together but either transported them for Forreign services or wafted them to another world His Ambition was of a large extent and his head-piece of a larger Great was his Influence on England greater on Scotland and greatest of all on Ireland and the Netherlands where this close Genius acted invisibly beyond the reach of friends or the apprehension of enemies Declining an immediate opposition in Court-factions the wary Sir raised always young Favourites to outshine the old ones so balancing all others that he might be Paramount himself The modern policy and practices were
To which I adde her Sister musick wherewith he revived his tired spirits lengthened as he said his sickly days opened his oppressed breast eased his melancholy thoughâ— graced his happy pronunciation ordered and refined his irregular and gross inclination fixed and quickned his floating and dead notions and by a secret sweet and heavenly Vertue raised his spirit as he confessed sometime to a little less than Angelical Exaltation Curious he was to please his ear and as exact to please his eye there being no Statues Inscriptions or Coyns that the Vertâ—osi of Italy could shew the Antiquaries of France could boast off or the great Hoarder of Rarities the great Duke of Tuscany whose antick Coyns are worth 100000 l. could pretend to that he had not the view of No man could draw any place or work better none fancy and paint a Portraicture more lively being a Durer for proportion a Goltzius for a bold touch variety of posture a curious and true shadow an Angelo for his happy fancy and an Holben for Oyl works Neither was it a bare Ornament of Discourse or naked Diversion of leisure time but a most weighty piece of knowledge that he could blazon most noble and ancient Coats and thereby discern the relation interest and correspondence of great Families and thereby the meaning and bottom of all transactions and the most successful way of dealing with any one Family His Exercises were such as his Employments were like to be gentle and manlike whereof the two most eminent were Riding and Shooting that at once wholesomely stirred and nobly knitted and strengthened his body Two Eyes he saiâ— he travelled with the one of wariness upon himself the other of observation upon others This compleat Gentleman was Guardian to the young Brandon in his younger yearsâ— Agent for Sir Iohn Mason in King Edward the sixth's time and the first Embassador for the State in Queen Elizabeths time My Lord Cobham is to amuse the Spaniard my Lord Effingham to undermine the French and Sir Henry Killigrew is privately sent to engage â—he German Princes against Austria in point of Interest and for her Majesty in point of Religion he had a humour that bewitched the Elector of Bavaria a Carriage that awed him of Mentz a Reputation that obliged them of Colen and Hydelbergh and that reach and fluency in Discourse that won them all He assisted the Lords Hunsdon and Howard at the Treaty with France in London and my Lord of Essex in the War for France in Britain Neither was he less observable for his own Conduct than for that of others whose severe thoughts words and carriage so awed his inferiour faculties as to restrain him through all the heats of youth made more than usually importunate by the full vigour of a high and sanguine Constitution insomuch that they say he looked upon all the approaches to that sin then so familiar to his calling as a Souldier his quality as a Gentleman and his Station as a Courtier not onely with an utter disallowance in his judgement but with a natural abhorrency and antipathy in his very lower inclinations To which happiness it conduced not a little that though he had a good yet he had a restrained appetite a Knife upon his Throat as well as upon his Trencher that indulged it self neither frequent nor delicate entertainment its meals though but once a day being its pressures and it s fast its only sensualitieâ— to which temperance in diet adde but that in sleep together with his disposal of himself throughout his life to industry and diligenceâ— you will say he was a spotless man whose life taught us this Lesson which if observed would accomplish mankinde and which King Charles the fiâ—st would inculcate to noble Travellers and Dr. Hammond to all men To be furnished always with something to do A Lesson they proposed as the best expedient for Innocence and pleasure the foresaid blessed man assuring his happy heaâ—ers That no burthen is more heavy or temptation more dangerous than to have time lie on ones hand the idle man being not onely as he worded it the Devils shop but his kingdome too a model of and an appendage unto Hell a place given up to torment and to mischief Observations on the Life of Arthur Gray Baron of Wilton ARthur Gray Baron of Wilton is justly râ—ckoned amongst the Natives of Buckinghamshire whosâ— Father had his habitation not at Wilton a decayed Castle in Hertfordshire whence he took his Title but at Waddon a fair house of his Family not far from Buckingham He succeeded to a small estate much diminished on this sad occasion His Father William Lord Gray being taken Prisoner in France after long ineffectual solliciting to be because captivated in the publick service redeemed on the publick charge at last was forced to ransome himself with the sale of the best part of his Patrimony Our Arthur endeavoured to advance his estate by his Valour being entred into Feats of War under his martial Father at the siege of Leith 1560 where he was shot in the shoulder which inspirited him with a constant antipathy against the Scots He was afterwards sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland anno 1580 where before he had received the Sword or any emblems of command ut acrioribus initiis terrorem incuteret to fright his foes with fierce beginnings he unfortunately fought the Rebels at Grandilough to the great loss of English Blood This made many commend his Courage above his Conduct till he recovered his credit and finally suppressed the Rebellion of Desmond Returning into England the Qâ—een chiefly relied on his counsel for ordering our Land-forces against the Spaniards in 88 and fortifying places of advantage The mention of that year critical in Churcâ—-differences about discipline at homâ— as well as with forreign force abroad mindeth me that this Lord was but a back-friend to Bishops and in all divisions of Votes in Paâ—liament or Council-table sided with the Anti-prelatical party When Sâ—cretaâ—y Davison that State-pageant raised up on purpose to be put down was censured in the Star-chamber about the business of the Queen of Scots this Lord Gray onely defended him as doing nothing therein but what became an able and honest Minister of State An Ear-witness saith Haec fusè oratorie animose Greium disserentem audivimus So that besides bluntness the common and becoming Eloquence of Souldiers he had a real Rhetorick and could very emphatically express himself Indeed this Warlike Lord would not wear two heads under one Helmet and may be said always to have born his Beaver open not dissembling in the least degree but owning his own Judgement at all times what he was He deceased anno Domini 1593. Three things he was observed eminent for 1. Dâ—spatch San Ioseph having not been a week in Ireland before he had environed him by Sea and Land 2. For his resolution that he would not parley with him till he was brought to his mercy hanging out a
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
with the same success that the Gown-man Harangued it before Alexander of Military Affairs who laughed at the Scholar for talking of War to a Souldier his defence of his Master being the more observable for his civilities to his adversaries he being very cautious of reflecting upon his Patrons Enemies while he excused him the bespattering of others being not the best method of purging him and Memnon gave a railing Souldier a good blow with his Launce saying I hired thee to fight and not to raile Neither delighted he in being the Davus the troubler of the Parliament which he observed play'd the part of fond Musicians which spend so much time in tuning their Instruments that there is none left to spare for their Musick He wished that our reformation might be in one respect like the reformation of the Turkes who thought that the best way to understand the Alâ—oran was to burn all the Interpreters it being true of the Bible what one observeth of one Text of it that was clear before it was commented upon A truth become seasonable as there is no new thing under the Sun and what â—ath been will be in a less revolution of time than Plato's great Yeâ—r even in our times when passion guides Religion that should be governed by it as being without iâ— but a short madness turning man into a wild Beast that is goared which runneth upon every thing that cometh in its way without consideration or like a violent torrent descending down impeâ—uously from a steep Hill which beareth down all respects before it divine and humane For whilst passion is in the heighth there is no room for reason nor any use of the dictates of the understanding the mind for the time being like the Cyclopian Cave where no Man heard what another said only what they want in them singly in reason may joyntly be made up in noise and their respective defects in Arguments be supplied by their communion in suffrage And it is the wisdom of those who are concerned in what they oppose to stand out of their way at least till the storm be over Omnis campis duffugit Arator Omnis Agricola Dum pluit in terris ut possint sole reductâ— Exercere diem Their reason with time and due consideration will be better attended to when this earnestness hath a little spent its self into a calmness and allay Such was his Wit such his Eloquence that they who hated the Client admired the Advocate And though he could not keep his Patron from falling yet he raised himself that being the first time his Eminent Parts were observed An advantageous starting is more than half way in the Race of Preferment For hereupon he is first Master of the Kings Jewels and then of what was more precious his Secrets His Conscience inclined him to the Churches Reformation his Interest complied with the Kings he unlocked the secreâ—s of Monasteries by his Spies and put the King upon destroying them by his Power The University of Cambridge made him Chancellor to save it self where though he did no great good yet hiâ— Greatness kept others from doing harm in an Age wâ—erein Covetousness could quarrel a Colledge as well as an Abbey into superstition He was trusted by the King with the Rollâ— and Records of England and by the Scholars with the Charters and Satutes of their Universities He reforms the University in order to the Reformation of the Church enjoyning the study of the Scripture and the Tongues instead of School-Divinity and Barbarism recommending Aristotle Agricola Melancthon to their reading and the Doctrine which is in Spirit and in Truth to their Faith and razing the Popes Bulls to make way for the Kings Favour and that Architectonical Power to see that all subjects within his Dominion do their duties in their several Callings for the safety and tranquillity of the Common-wealth He was an eminent Minister of State and Chief Governour of the Church proceeding in Convocation very discreetly modelling the Church-Laws very prudently and moderately looking into Monastical Abuses very narrowly and industrioâ—sly mawling Religious Houses violently pulling down those Nests that the Rooks might not return His Master had disobliged the Pope and he weakeneth him It was not safe to disown his Supremacy and entertain thousands of his Creatures If a Kingdom be divided against it self it cannot stand and if one part of the English pay their devoâ—ion to a supream Head at Rome and another to a supream Governour in England they must both fall If the Persons might disturb the Government it is fit their Estates should secure it and if the Papists should foment a War their Lands should maintain it But Cromwel contrives that the Pope should confirm Alienations in Wolsey before he shâ—uld practise it for the King As the King knew whom he employed when he trusted him so he knew whom he trusted when he employed Doctoâ— Lee an able servant to an abler Master He fiâ—st decâ—yed Religious Men out of their Covents by the allurement of Liberty and then forced them out by Power and Authority As the Abbeys improved his Estate so his Master advanced his Honour He had one Privy Seal always to act by and was Keeper of another He had no sooner attained an Earldom for himself but foreseeing the alteration of Affairs he secured a Barony for his Son nor forfeitable by the Attainder of the Father Within five years he was Master of the Jewel-house Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretary of State Baron and Viscount Wimbledon in Middlesex Vicar General Master of the Rolls Knight of the Garter Keeper of the Privy Seal Lord High Chamberlain and Earl of Essex Justice in Eyre of Forrests Chases and Parks c. N. Trent â— Within five Months he quitted most of these places and in five minutes lost all He must needs be envied whose Birth was so much beneath all others and his Preferment above them especially when the King in preferring him injured others as the Citizens in managing the Jewels the Courtiers in undertaking State-affairs the Lawyers in the Rolls the Nobly descended at Winsor the Clergy in the Convocation the Earl oâ— Oxford and the Family of the Bourchiers in the great Chamberlainship and Earldom of Essex But he cares not whom he displeaseth if he can oblige his Master whose power he advanceth in the Paâ—liament and Synod as he improveth his Reâ—enue in the Office of first-Fâ—uits and the Court of Augmentation His Greatness waâ— allayed with his Goodness and the Envy of the One mitigated by â—he Liberality of the other He had not more Suiters at his Door than Almes-men two hundred at a time As he was good abroad so he was at home calling upon his Servants yearly to give him an account what they had got under him and what they desired of him warning them to improve their opportunities because he said he was too great to stand long providing for them as carefully as for his Son
3. Constant correspondence and observation 4. A happy medley of Debonairness and Complacency Reservedness and Gravity with the first he had taken Princes and with the last Statesmen the one discovers others while the other conceals you 5. Resolution I made often said hâ— as if I would fight when they knew my calling allowed me onely to speak 6. Civility That man said the Prince of Orange is a great bargain who is bought with a bare salvation Fourthly To Privy-Counsellours That excellent caution Always to speak last and be Masters of other strength before they displayed their own This was that rare man that was made for all business so dexterous This was he that was made for all times so complying This was he who lived Doctor of both Laws and died Doctor of both Gospels the Protestant which had the States-mans part of this man and the Popish who had the Christian. Noah had two faces because he was a son of the old world before the flood and a father of the new one after Wotton sure had four faiths who was a Favourite in King Henry's days of the Counsel in King Edward's of the Juncto in Queen Mary's and the second Statesman in Queen Elizabeth's With these two things of this person I shall conclude 1. His refusal of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury which argued his extraordinary humility or wariness His admission of Doctor Parker as Dean of Canterbury to that See which argueth the legality of his calling there being no circumstance with any likelihood omitted by so exquisite a Civilian as Doctor Wotton or forgotten by so great an Anâ—iquary as Doctor Parker Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Wriothesly the first Earl of Southampton THomas Wriothesly Knight of the Garter was born in Barbican Son to William Wriothesly descended from an Heir general of the antient Family of the Dunsteâ—viles King of Arms. He was bred in the University of Cambridge as it appears by Mr. Ascam's Letter unto him writing in the behalf of the University when he was Lord Chancellour Quamobrem Academia cum omni literarum ratione ad te unum conversa cui uni quam universis aliis se chariorâ—m intelligit partim tibi ut alumno suo cum authoritate imperat partim ut patrono summo demisse humiliter supplicat c. His University-Learning prepared him for the Law â—is indefaâ—igable study of the Law promoted him to the Court where for his Honour he was created Baron of Tichbourn Jan. 1. 1543. and â—or his Profit the next year May 3. Lord Chancellour a place he discharged with more Applause than any before him and with as much Integrity as any since him Force he said awed but Iustice governed the World It is given to that Family to be Generous and Resolute This incomparable Person was under a cloud in King Edward's time for being a rigidly-conscientious Papist and his great Grandchild suffered in King Charles his time for being a sincerely honest Protestant Yeâ— so reverenced was the first of this Family by his Adversaries that he was made Earl of Southampton and so honoured was the other by his Enemies that they courted him to their party Integrity hath a Majesty in its full and a Glory in its lowest Estate that is always feared though not always loved No Nobleman understood the Roman Religion better than the first Earl of Southampton and none the Protestant better then the last the Right Honourable and truly Excellent Thomas Earl of Southampton and Treasurer of England His Court he said gave Law to the Kingdom His constant and exact Rules to the Court and his Conscience guided by the Law of the Kingdom to his Rules Affable and acceptable he was as More quick and ready as Wolsey incorrupt as Egerton apprehensive and knowing as Bacon Twice were all Cases depending in Chancery dispatched in Sir Thomas Wriothesly's time 1538. and in Sir Thomas More 's 1532. Truly did he judge intra Cancellos deciding Cases with that Uprightness that he wished a Window to his Actions yea and his Heart too King Philip was not at leasure to hear a poor Womans Cause Then said she cease to be King My Lord over-hearing a servant putting off a Petitioner because his Master was not at leasure takes him up roundly and repliâ—s You had as good say I am not at leasure to be Lord Chancellour Two things he would not have his servants gain by his Livings and his Decrees The first he said weâ—e Gods the second the Kings whom every man he said sold that sold Justice To honest men your places said he are enough to Knaves too much Every Week he had a Schedule of his own Accounts and every Month of his Servants Cato's greatest Treasure was his Account-Book of Sicily and my Lord of Southampton's was his Table of the Chancellours place A great Estate was conferred upon him which he took not in his own name to avoid the odium of Sacriledge as great an Inheritance he bought but in others names to escape the malice of Envy He loved a bishop he said to satisfie his Conscience a Lawyer to guide his Judgment a good Family to keep up his Interest and an University to preserve his name Full of Years and Worth he died 1550. at Lincoln-place and was buried at St. Andrews Church in Holborn where his Posterity have a Diocess for their Parish and a Court for their Habitation Observations on the Life of Sir John Fitz-James JOhn Fiâ—z-Iames Knight was born at Redlinch in Somersetshire of Right Antient and Worthy Parentage bâ—ed in the study of our Municipal Laws wherein he proved so great a Proficient that by King Henry the Eighth he was advanced to be Chief Justice of the Kings Bench. There needs no more to be said of his Merit save that King Henry the Eighth preferred him who never used either Dunce or Drone in Church or State but Men of Ability and Activity He sat thirteen years in his place demeaning himself so that he lived and died in the Kings Favour He sat one of the Assistants when Sir Thomas More was arraigned for â—efusing the Oath of Supremacy and was shrewdly put to it to save his own Conscience and not incur the Kings Displeasure For Chancellour Audley supreme Judg in that plaâ—e being loath that the whole burthen of More 's condemnation should lie on his shoulders alone openly in the Court asked the Advice of the Lord Chief Justice Fitz Iames Whether the Indictment were sufficient or no To whom our Judge warily returned My Lords all by St. Gillian which was ever his Oath I must needs confess That if the Act of Parliament be not unlawful then the Indictment is not in my conscience sufficient He died in the Thirteeth Year of King Henry the Eighth and although now there be none left at Redlinch of his Name and Family they flourish still at Lewson in Dorsetshire descended from Alured Fitz-Iames brother to this Judge and
refused a Treaty but upon condition that Ashe their Leader was pledged advised an engagement with them out of hand saying No English-man should be undervalued so far as to be an Hostage for a Villain and adding further so good was his Intelligence That if they were not defeated speedily the Scots and Germans would discover that they had but too much hand in this plot For which his services his Master raised him to the Admiralship of England and the Earldom of Southampton in which Quâ—lity he was one of the three Noblemen that managed the Business of Divorce between the King and Anne of Cleve with that applause that made him Lord Privy-Seal Nov. 14. Anno 1541. and the grand Examinant of the particulars in the Lady Katharin Howard's Case a matter of great trust and secrecy wâ—ich he performed with a searching and deep Judgment beyond that Ladies fear and the King's expectation as appears from the exact Account given under Sir Tho. Audley and his own hands touching that matter Having provided for the Kings Safety at Home he is One of Four that treat for his Intrest abroad I mean upon the Borders of Scotland where our excellent Persons dexterity was observed in gaining that time by various Proposals â—or Peace that served his Master to provide against the War in the beginning whereof the brave Lord died at York so much esteemed that for the Honour of his Memory his Standard was born in the Fore-ward all this Expedition A Person in whom prudence was even with activity resolution with prudence Success with Resolution Moderation with Success Honour and Favour with All. Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Darcy SIr Thomas Darcy was one of King Henry the Eighth'â— first Counsellours so advanced aâ— most of his Fellows not for Affection but Interest owing his Promotion to his own sufficiency rather than his Masters favour His Counsel was weighty at Home his Assistance necessary Abroad where in behalf of Pope Iulius the second and the Emperour he did more with 1500 Archers in â— year for the balancing of Europe than had been done before in an Age. No Employment so dangerous at that time as that of the Warden of the West Marches of Scotland none so noble for that Employment as my Lord who was equally knowing and stout and at once most feared and most loved The Earl of Shrewsbury made some Inroads into Scotland the Lord Darcy seconds him But being surprized by the Duke of Albany's preparations he had as much Wit to make Peace as he had Resolution to carry on the War None knew better when to yield none better when to conquer so great â— command had he over himself so great over thâ— Enemy that he brought them to request his Wish aud offer what was his Interest With the Duke of Surrey's assistance by Land and Fitz-Williamâ— his by Sea he reduced that Nation to a good Intelligence with Us that year and a Peace the next a Peace as he observed that would â—e no longer kept than we had a Sword in our Hands and an Army on their Borders For Conâ—cience guided other parts of the World he said and Fear Scotland Whence he invaded them duely once a year Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Howard SIr Edward's Brother in Worth as well as Blood His Fathers Interest set him up and his own Industry kept him so All the Children were brought up for Sea-Services this Gentleman for Sea Commands He immediatly succeeds his younger Brother in the Admiralty and wisely considering the advantage of the French Gallies in a calm the number of their ships the danger of their winds for us if they blew South-west desired of the King so many Souldiers as might man the ships and make good the landing wherewith he scoured the seas and secured the Kings passage with so much Honour that he was able to assist his Father at Court as much as Wolsey did Fox his Gallantry being no less pleasing to his Master than the other young Favouâ—ites Compliance and both these young men had no less Art to govern his Prince than he had to govern his Kingdom These Arts which all other Favourites use being Hopes and Fears which as Doors Passages to the heart aâ—e so guarded by their vigilancy that they câ—n both let themselves in and keep all others out the two Ends upon which the Thread of Government depends His Father is made Duke of Norfolk and he Earl of Surrey both are an eye-sore to the Cardinal whoâ—e Fortune hâ—d no Superior in the Kiâ—gs Favour whose Ambition would endure no Equal The Old Mans years and cares are fitted with a Retirement in the Country the Young Mans ambition and activity with a Government in Iâ—eland which he reduced as speedily to obedience notwithstanding Desmond's Rebellion as he had to civility had it not been for Wolsey's Underminings who endured no publick service but what he did himself and would chuse rather that the Kingdom should perish by a Traytor then be saved by a Nobleman Beloved he was by that Country where he left a Peace and a Parliament Anno 1521. so that they were loth to part with him Wanted he was by the King to scour the narrow seas for the French War so that he must have him The King hath made him formerly His Admiral the Emperour upon his return from England makes him his and with both their Commissions he lands in Normandy wastes the adjacent Countries sparing only Religious Houses takes and sacks Morlais in Bretaign which he entered under the smoak burns their ships commands the sea and sets the Emperour safe in Spain advising his Majesty from thence to make a general Muster of his Subjects for his own satisfaction and others terrour March 27 1522. The troubles in Scotland required an able Head and a stout Heart two Endowments that no man was more Master of than the Earl of Surrey now Duke of Norfolk upon his beloved Fathers decease whose Prudence toyled the Scots to deliver up their King as his Prowess frighted them to yeild up themselves as they did in that most exquisiâ—e Treaty where the Earl of Worcester beat the Bush saith my noble Author and our Duke catched the Hare A while after he is Earl Marshal and Embassador to King â—rancis about tâ—ose two grand poinâ—s 1. That the French King should set up a Patriarch 2. That he should stop up all the payments made to Rome wiâ—h fair promises of that supply of men and money he then most wanted When the Pope stuck to Queen Katherine three things he advised the King to 1. To teach the people that a general Council was above the Pope and proclaim that he did appeal to it 2. To fix upon every Church-Door the Dowagers Appeal to Rome and the late Statute against it 3. To confederate with the Kings of Hungaâ—y and Poland the Estates of the Empire and the Hanse Towns Three things that would settle his People at home and
Property and protect their People in the enjoyment of the fruits of their industry and the benefit of those Laws to which themselves have consented He sets himself good Rules as well to create good presidents as to â—ollow them reducing things to their first institution and observing wherein and how they have degenerated yet still taking counsel of both times of the ancienter time what is best and of the latter what is fittest He made his course regular that Men might know what to expect but not peremptory that Knaves might not know how to impose upon him always expressing himself well when he digressed from his Rule Preserve the right of his place he would but not stir Questions of Jurisdictions rather assuming his right in silence and de facto then voice it with claims and challenges He directed in most Affairs but was busie in none none readier to give none readier to take helps and advices His speech was more discreet than eloquent rather particularly suitable to the present things and persons than generally orderly and artificial He could speak quick and deep too never using many circumstances lest he were tedious ever some lest he were blunt so warily did he deliver what he knew that he was sometimes thought to know what he did not He knew what might be said so good his fancy and he knew what shoâ—ld be thought so great his judgment commanding the discourse where-ever he was by that prudence that could bring it on and off and that variety that happily intermingled Arguments with Tales Reasons with Opinions and earnest with jest His Decrees were the Hedges of Propriety his Dispatches cool his Cases rightly stated his Reports favour of Integrâ—ty and Prudence of Books and Men. How discreeâ—ly would he moderate the rigorous circumstances of petty and poenal Laws how exactly observe the design and drift of the more fundamental and reasonable Here no Intrigues to perplex no Attendance to tire no Hazards to discourage no Checks or Delays to vex no surreptitious advantages to surprize no defeats of hopes or falseness of friends to disappoint no negligence of Agents or interest of parties to betray no Oratory or Sophism to varnish or hide a matter all things clear as Justice and smooth as Integrity By diligence and moderation with their gentle degrees and augmentations and his own watchful observance he climbed to Excellency A man is neither good nor rich nor wise at once it being a double work to be great 1. To remove Obstruction and accommodate Adversaries 2. To watch and assume the advantage What is longest in proving is longest declining the Rose that buds one day withereth the neâ—â— The Oak that is an Age a growing is five stancâ—â—â—â— He had those lower Virtues that drew praise from the Vulgar which he neglected knowing that they were more taken with appearances than realities he had middle that they admired and good Men observed he had his highest Virtues which they perceived and great Men honoured In a word a fragrant fume he had that filled all round about and would not easily away Although he despised the Flatterers praise as base and avoided the Cunnings as dangerous yet he would say of a deserved Fame That being nothing or but ayr at best it doth all for it 's sufficient to breed Opinion and Opinion brings on substance He observed of himself that he came very hardly to little Riches and very easily to great Riches For when a Man's stock is come to that as my Lord Verulam observes that he can expect the prime of the Markets and overcome those Bargains which for their greatness are few Mens Money and be Partners in the Industries of younger men he cannot but mainly increase with those two Advancers of Gain 1. Diligence and 2. A good Name He hath left these two Principles behind him for those of his own professionâ— 1. That they should reduce every Statute to the Common Law and Custome whereon it is grounded 2. That they should as well look into the History of former times â—or the Reasons and Circumstances of our Laws as into their Law-books for the matter of them Some Lawyers assert the Subjects Liberty and retrench the Prerogative as too much power to be trusted for a mortal Man within the known Limits of Law that so Subjects may be at a certainty How to square their Loyalty and Obedience He always upheld that Prerogative saying That the discretion of the Scepter as Guardian for the general good of the Common-wealâ—h must be trusted against all Emergencies with the management of its own might Concluding always thus Submission is our Duty and Confidence our Prudence Bishop Bancroft of Oxford said in King Charles the first his time Eo tempore occubui quo mallem Episcopatus rationem coram Deo dare quam Episcopatum coram hominibus exercere Judge Stamford said in Q. Mary's time In quae reservamur tempora dct Deus nt Magistratus rationem coram eo reddam potius quam Magistratum coram hominibus exerceam His Book containeth two parts One of The Pleas of the Crown the other of The Kings Prerogative In him saith Mr. Fulbeck there is force and weight and no common kind of stile in matter very few have gone beyond him in method none have overtaken him in the order of his writing he is smooth yet sharp pleasant yet grave and surely his method may be a Law to the Writers that succeed him Heavy saith he is the weight of innocent blood consider we either the inward fears attending the guilt of it or the outward providence of God watching for the discovery of it one that was before him having apprehended a Fishes head in the Platter for the head of him whom he had murthered and another after a horrid murther being observed to have his Hand continually upon his Dagger Observations on the Life of Sir John Jeffrey SIr Iohn Ieffrey was born in Sussex where he left behind him a fair Estate to his Daughter He so profited in the Study of our Municipal Law that he was preferred secondary Judge of the Common Pleas and thence advanced by Queen Elizabeth in Michaelmas-Term the Nineteenth of her Reign to be Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer which place he discharged for the Term of two years to his great commendation He left one Daughter and Heir married to Sir Edward Montague since Baron of Boughton by whom he had but one Daughter Elizabeth married to Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey Mother to the truly honourable Montague Earl of Lindsey and Lord great Chamberlain of England This worthy Judge died in the 21. of Queen Elizabeth This was he who was called the Plodding Student whose industry perfected Nature and was perfected by experience He read not to argue only for that is vanity nor to believe and trust for that is easiness nor to discourse for that is idle but to weigh and consider for that is prudence He had his Studies for pleasure and privacy for
ornament and converse and for judgment and business To spend too much time on his Book was sloth to talk by Book was affected and to act by it was humoursome and Scholar-like Four things he would say helped him 1. His Inclination It 's a great happiness to a Man saith Aristotle when his Calling is one of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of those things that agree with his nâ—ture 2. Method 3. Religion with that just and composed mind that attends it 4 A great happiness in all the four faculties that make a Lawyer 1. A sharp invention and clear apprehension to search all the circumstances of a case propounded 2. Judgment to examine and weigh the particulars invented and apprehended â—or truth lieth in things as Gold in Mines 3. Memory to retain what is judged and examined 4. A prompt and ready delivery of what is conceived and retained set out with ingenuity and gravity Oratio prompa non audax What he said was close and pinching and not confident and earnest allowing passion not to disturb either the method or delivery of his discourse but to quicken it To speak well and much he said was not the work of one man yet if a Philosopher be eloquent said Cicero we must not despise him if he be not he must not affect it so that he can comprehend in words what he conceiveth and speak them plainly that he may be understood His Latine and French were Grammatical his Rhetorick Natural his Logick Reason The first opened the terms the second pressed the Vigour the last collected and disposed of the Axiomes Grounds and Rules of the Law and all prepared him for that comprehensive Profession in the ashes whereof the sparks of all other Sciences were raked up His gesture and habit was grave but not affected speaking as much to the eye as his tongue did to the ear the gesture being a great discoverer of the constitution and a great direction to business what a man misseth in the speech he may sometimes â—ind in the looks His temper was moderate and sober a Virtue and a seasoning of all others attended with the Lawyers gift and that is Patience Modest he was but not fondly bashful his prudence and not his softness His humility begat affableness his affableness society that conference conference parts and they acquaintance and that practice and practice experience experience renown and that preferment Sir Iohn's inclination was studious his mind constant solid and setled and able to dive into the Whirl-pools of that intricate and perplexed faculty his thoughts being orderly and his conceptions methodical his search comprehensive avoiding Epitomes as the banes of Learning Nullu illi per otium dies exit partem noctium studiis vindicat non vacat somno sed succumbit oculos vigilia fatigatos cadentesque in opere detinet Considerable were the parts he had but more so the making up of those he had not his coverâ—ng of his defects being of no less importance than the valuing of good parts which he did three ways 1. By caution ingeniously and discreetly waving and putting off things improper 2. By colour making his Defects his Virtues and his Faults his Endowments And 3. By that freedom of Spirit that daunts the weakest and prevaileth with the wisest He proposed to himself five things to enquire into in order to that compleatness he arrived unto 1. The ancient Maximes and Principles or the more ancient Customs that make up the Common Law of England 2. The Acts and Constitutions that make up its Statute-Law 3. The particular Priviledges Liberties Immunities and Usages of Counties Burroughs Cities c. that do swerve from this Law 4. The ancient Grounds and Reasons as far as History can direct of all these our Law being an exact Reason 5. The most satisfactory explanations of the Law 1. From Commentaries as Bractons 2. Abridgments as Stathams 3. History as the years and terms of the Common Law And 4. From more particular Tracts that handled their peculiar subjects as Fortescue Glanvil Britton Fleta Littleton which he thought not unprofitable to read though dangerous to rely upon with the Lord Cooke not liking those that stuff their mindes with wandering and masterless reports For as he said they shall find them too soon to lead them to error Beginning with the terms of Art and then to the matter perusing what is antiquated and observing what is suitable to the present constitution and complexion It 's my Lord Cook 's Rule That for the most part the latter Judgments and Resolutions are the surest and therefore fittest to season a man withal in the beginning both for settling of his Judgment and retaining them in memory yet as he goeth on out of the old fields must spring and grow the new Corn. Our Lawyers course was slow and leisurely his reading digested and deliberate His considerations wary and distrust his way to knowledge He that begins with certainties ends in doubts and he that begins with doubts ends in certainties and looketh into tâ—e boâ—â—â—m of things Upon serious and solid Books he bestowed a double reading the one cursorily by way of pâ—eparation and the other exact by way of digestion Three things made him a Pleader 1. Reading 2. Observation 3. Exercise And indeed in ancient times the Sergeants and Apprentices of Law did draw their own pleadings which made them good Pleaders He observed the affections the intent the analogy the validity of the Law putting all his reading to writing having the places he was most to handle in all the variety that could be with his Rules and Maximes as far as reading hearing meditation conference and memory could help him Thus his fiâ—st thoughts were upon his Profession until that advanced him to the highest Eminence and his last upon his Interest until that was improved to as much fortune as lieth in a well-laid Estate and Alliance The End of the Observations upon the Lives of the Statesmen and Favourites of England in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth Books Printed for Samuel Speed Book-seller near the Royal Exchange PHaramond the famed Romance in Folio written by the Author of those other two eminent Romances Cassandra and Cleopatra Palmerin of England in three parts in Quarto The Destruction of Troy in three parts in Quarto Quintus Curtius his Life of Alexander the Great in English in Quarto Montelion Knight of the Oracle in Quarto Primaleon of Greece in Quarto The Jewel-house of Art and Nature by Sir Hugh Plat in Quarto The Womans Lawyer by Sir Iohn Dodridge in Quarto Divine Law or the Patrons Purchaser by Alexander Huckston in Quarto The Compleat Parson by Sir Iohn Doddridge in Qu. Star-Chamber Cases in Quarto Actions of the Case for Deeds by William Shepheard Esquire in Folio The Life of Henry the Great in English written by the Bishop of Rhodez in Octav. The Villain a Tragedy by Tho. Porter Esquire in Quarto Observations on the Statesmen and Favourites of
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
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
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
others as in nature he doth not fit the frame of things to the ugly nature of Monsters but the irregular shape of Monsters to the beauty of things being of opinion thaâ— we should thank our Governour as the AEthiopian flaves do their Emperour when they are slashed and we should God when we are corrected for thinking of us and having a care of us universal as that God hath of the world whom they represent Rulers within their dominions having much of the Character that God hath in the universe viz. That he is a Circle whose center is every where and Circumference no where Observations on the Life of Sir William Drury SIr William Drury was born in Suffolk where his Worshipful Family had long flourished at Haulsted His name in Saxon soundeth a Pearl to which he answered in the pretiousness of his disposition clear and heard innocent and valiant and therefore valued deservedly by his Queen and Country His youth was spent in the French Wars his middleâ— Age in Scotland and his old Age in Ireland He was Knight-Marshal of Barwick at what time the French had pâ—ssâ—ssed themselves of the Castle of Edenburgh in the minority of King James Queen Elizabeâ—h employed this Sir William with 1500 men to besiege the Castle which service he right worthily performed reducing it within few days to the owner thereof Anno 1575. he was appointed Lord President of Munster whither he went with competent Forces and executed impartial Iustice in despight of the opposers thereof For as the Signe of Leo immediately precedeth Virgo and Libra in the Zodiack so I hope not that Innocency will 〈◊〉 protected or Iustice administred in a barbarous Country where power and strength do not first secure a passage unto them But the Earl of Desmond opposed this good President forbidding him to enter the County of Kerry as a Palatinate peculiarly appropriated unto himself Know by the way as there were but four Palatinates in England Chester Lancaster Durham and Ely whereof the two former many years since were in effect invested in the Crown there were no fewer than eight Palatinates in Ireland possâ—ssed by their respective Dynasts claiming Regal Rights therein to the great retarding of the absolute Conquest of that Kingdome Amongst these saith my Author Kerry became the Sanctuary of Sin and Refuge of Rebels as outlawed from any Iurisdiction Sir William no whit terrified with the Earls threatning and declaring that no place should be a priviledge to mischief entred Kerry with a competent Train and there dispenced Iustice to all persons as occasion did require Thus with seven-score men he safely forced his return through seven hundred of the Earls who sought to surprize him In the last year of his Life he was made Lord Deputy of Ireland and no doubt had performed much in his place if not afflicted with constant sickness the forerunner of his death at Waterford 1598. He was one of that Military Valour which the Lord Verulam wisheth about a Prince in troublesome times that held a good esteem with the Populacy and an exact correspondence with the noble whereby he united himself to each side by endearments and divided them by distrust watching the slow motions of the people that they should not be excited and spirited by the nobility and the ambition of the Great Ones that it should not be befriended with the turbulency or strengthened with the assistance of the Commonalty One great Act well followed did his business with the natives whom he sometimes indulged giving their Discontents liberty to evaporate and with the strangers whom he always awed In those that were commended to his service he observed two things 1. That they were not advanced for their dependence because they promote a Party which he noted to be the first ground of Recommendaâ—ion 2. Nor for their weakness because they cannot hinder it which he remarked to be the second Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Smith SIr Thomas Smith was born at Saffroâ—-Walden in Essex and bâ—ed in Queens Colledge in Cambridge where such his proficiency in Learning that he was chosen out by Henry the eighth to be sent over and to be brought up beyond the Seas It was fashionable in that Age that pregnant Students were maintained on the cost of the State to be Merchants for experience in Forreign Parts whence returning home with their gainful Adventurers they were preferred according to the improvement of their time to Offices in their own Country Well it were if this good old Custome were resumed for if where God hath given five talents men would give but pounds I mean encourage hopeful Abilities with hopeful maintenance able persons would never be wanting and poor men with great Parts would not be excluded the Line of Prefermenâ— This Sir Thomas was first Servant and Favourite to the Duke of Somerset and afterwards Secretary of State to Qâ—een Elizabeth and a grand Benefactor to both Universities Anno 1577 when that excellent Act passedâ— whereby it was provided That a third part of the Rent upon Leases made by Colledges should be reserved in Corn paying it either in kâ—nd or in money after the rate of the best prices in Oxford or Cambridge markets the next Market-days before Michaelmas or our Lady-dayâ— For the passing of this Act Sir Thomas Sâ—ith â—urprized the House and whereas many conceived not the difference between the payment of Rents in Corn or money the knowing Patriot took the advantage of the presenâ— cheap year knowing that hereaftâ—r Grain would grow dearer Mankinde dayly multiplying and License being lately given for Transportation so that now when the Universities have least Corn they have most Bread What his foresight did now for the Universiâ—y his reach did the first year of Q. Eliz. for the Kingdome for the first sitting of her Councel he advised twelve most important things for the publick safety 1. That the Ports should be shuâ— 2. That the Tower of London should be secured good hands 3. That the Deputy of Ireland's Commiâ—â—â—on should be renewed and enlarged 4. That all Officers should act 5. That no new Office should be bestowed in a moneth 6. Thâ—t Ministers should meddle with no Controversies 7. That Embassadors should be sent to Forreign Princes 8. That no Coyn should be transported beyond Sea 9. That no person of quality should travel for six weeks 10. That the Traiâ—-bands should be mustered 11. That Ireland the Borders and the Seas should be provided for 12. And that the dissenting Nobility and Clergy should be waâ—ched and secured Adding withal a Paper for the Reading of the Epistle the Gospel and the Commandments in the English tongue to encouragâ— the Protestants expectation and allay the Papists fear In the same Proclamation that he drew up the Sacrament of the Altar was to be reverencâ—d and yet the Communion to be administred in both kinds He advised a Disputation with the Papists one day knowing that they could not dispute without
in times of peace seven times to Iames the sixth of Scotland for a good understanding and thrice to Basilides Emperour of Russia for Trade Once to Charles the ninth King of France to discover his designe upon Scotland and once to Henry the third to open a Conspiracy of his suâ—jâ—cts against him Great services these but meanly rewarded the serviceable but moderate and modest man though he had as many children at home as he had performed Embassies abroad being contented with the Chamberlainship of the Exchâ—quer and the Postermasters place the first but a name and the second then but a noise to which were added some small Farms wherein he enjoyed the peace and innocence of a quiet and retired Life a Life which upon the reflexions of a tender Conscience he wished a great while as appears by his Letters to his dear Walsingham wherein he writes How worthy yea how necessary a thing it was that they should at length bid Farewel to the snares he of a Sâ—cretary and himself of an Embassadour and should both of them set their mindes upon their Heavenly Country and by Repenting ask Mercy of GOD. Oâ—servations on the Life of Sir Amias Poulet SIr Amiâ—s Poulet born at Hinton St. George in Summerseâ—shire Son to Sir Hugh and Grandchild to Sâ—r Amias Powlet was Chancellour of the Garter Governour of the Isles of Iersey and Gernsey and Privy-Councellour to Queen Elizabeth He was so faithful and trusty that the Queen committed the keeping of Mary Queen of Scots to his custody which he discharged with great fidelity As Caesar would have his Wife so he his spirit above the very suspicion of unworthiness equally consulting his Fame and his Conscience When he performed his last Embassie with no less satisfaction to the King of France than honour to the Queen of England at once with a good humour and a great state he would not accept a Chain and all Gifts are Chains from that King by any means until he was a League from Paris then he took it because he would oblige that Prince and not till then because he would not be obliged by any but his Soveraign saying I will wear no chains but my Mistresses It is the interest of Princes that their Servants Fortune should be above the temptation it is their happiness that their Spirits are above the respects of a private concern Observations on the Lives of Sir James Croftsâ— John Grey of Pyrgo Sir Henry Gates EMblems of honour derived from Ancestors are but rotten Rags where ignoble posterity degenerates from their Progenitors but they are both glorious and precious where the children both answer and exceed the Vertues of their extraction as in these three Gentlemen whose Ancestors fill both Pages of former Kings Chronicles as they do the Annals of Queen Elizabeth Three Gentlemen whom it's pity to part in their Memoires since they were always together in their Employments All three were like to die in Qâ—een Mary's days for the prosession of the Protestanâ— Religion all three spending their Lives in Queen Elizabeth's for the propagation of it 1. Sir Henry Gates lying in Rome as a Spy under the Notion of Cardinal Florido's Secretary six years Iohn Grey drawing up the whole Proceedings and Methods of the Reformation for ten years and Sir Iames Crofts being either the vigilant and active Governour of Berwick or the prudent and successful Commissioner in Scotland for seven years When the French threatned us by the way of Scotland the Earl of Northumberland was sent Northward for his interest as Warden of the middle March Sir Ralph Sadler for his wisdome as his Assiâ—tant and Councellour and Sir Iames Crofts for his Conduct as both their Guide and Director-general An estate in the Purse credits the Court wisdome in the Head adorneth it but both in the Hand serve it Nobly did he and Cuthbert Vaughan beat the French that sallied out of Edinburgh into their Trenches but unhappily stood he an idle Spectator in his quarter the next Scalado while the Eâ—glish are overthrown and the Duke writes of his infidelity to the Queen who discharged him from his place though not from her favour for in stead of the more troublesome place the Government of Berwick she conferred on him that more honourable the Controllership of hâ—r Houshold Great service did his Valour at Hadington in Scotland against the French greater his prudence in Vlster against the Spaniards Alâ—hough his merit made his honour due to him and his Blood becoming though his Cares Travels and Dangers deâ—erved pity his quiet and meek Nature love though he rise by wary degrees and so was unobserved and stood not insolently when up and so was not obnoxious yet â—nvy reflected as hot upon him as the Sun upon the rising ground which stands firm though it doth not flourish as this Gentleman 's resolved honesty did overcoming Court-envy with a solid worth waxing old at once in years and reverence and dying as the Chronicle wherein he dieth not but with Time reports it in good favour with his Prince and sound reputation with all men for three infallible sources of Honour 1. That he aimed at Merit more than Fame 2. That he was not a Follower but an Example in great Actions and 3. That he assisted in the three great concerns of Government 1. in Laws 2. in Arms and 3. in Councils In AEsop there is a slight Fable of a deep moral it is this Two Frogs consulted together in the time of Drowth when many plashes that they had repaired to were dry what was to be done and the one propounded to go down into a deep well because it was like the water would not fail there but the other answered Yea but if it do fail how shall we get up again Mr. Grey would Nod and say Humain affairs are so uncertain that he seemeth the wisest man not who hath a spirit to go on but who hath a wariness to come off and that seems the best course that hath most passages out of it Sir Iames Crofts on the other hand hated that irresolution that would do nothing because it may be at liberty to do any thing Indeed saith one Necessity hath many times an advantage because it awaketh the powers of the minde and strengtheneth Endeavour Sir Iames Crofts was an equal Composition of both as one that had one fixed eye on his Action and another indifferent one on his retreat Observations on the Life of William Lord Grey of Wilton THat great Souldier and good Christian in whom Religion was not a softness as Machiavil discoursed but a resolution Hannibal was sworn an Enemy to Rome at nine years of Age and my Lord bred one to France at fourteen Scipio's first service was the rescue of his Father in Italy and my Lord Grey's was the safety of his Father in Germany He had Fabius his slow way and long reach with Herennius his fine polices and neat Ambuscadoes having his two Companions always
white flag with Misericordia Misericordia 3. For his prudence 1. Tâ—at he saved the Commanders to oblige the Spaniard 2. That he plundered the Country to enrich his Souldiers 3. That he decimated the Souldiery to terrifie Invaders and hanged all the Irish to amaze the Traytors Henry Fitz-alaâ— Earl of Arundel when Steward at King Edward's Coronation or Constable at Queen Mary's was the first that rid in a Coach in England my Lord Gray was the first that brought a Coach hither one of a working Brain and a great Mechanist himself and no less a Patron to the Ingenious that were so That there was an emulation between him and Sussex was no wonder but that the instance wherein he thought to disgrace him should be his severity to the English Traytor and the Forreign Invadors would seem strange to any but those that conâ—ider 1. That Princes of late would seem as they look on the end and not the means so they hug a cruelty and frown on the Instrument of it who while he honestly sacrificeth some irrâ—gular particulars to the interest of Soveraignty may be made himself a sacrifice to the passion of populacy And â—â— which is the case here that aâ—piring Princes may employ severer Natures but setled ones use the more moderate Love keeps up the Empire which Power hath set up Observations on the Life of Thomas Lord Burge THomas Lord Burge or Borough was born in his Fathers noble house at Gainsborough in the County of Lincoln He was sent Embassadour into Scotland in 1593 to excuse Bothwel his lurking in England to advise the speedy suppression of the Spanish Faction to advance the Prâ—testants in that Kingdome for their Kings defence and to instruct that King about his Council which was done accordingly He was made Lord-Deputy of Ireland anno 1597 in the room of Sir William Russel Mr Cambden saith thus of him Vir acer animi plenus sed nullis ferè Castrorum rudimentis As soon as the Truce with Tyrone was expired he stâ—aightly beâ—ieged the Fort of Black-water the onely receptacle of the Rebels in those parts besides their Woods and Bogs Having taken this Fort by force presently followed a bloody Battle wherein the English lost many woâ—thy men He was struck with untimely death before he had continued a whole year in his place it being wittily observed of the short Lives of many worthy men Fatuos â— morte defendit ipsa insâ—lsitas si cui pluâ— caeteris aliquantulum salis insit quod miremini statim putrescit Things rare destroy themselves tâ—ose two things being incompaâ—ible in our nature Perfection and Lasliâ—â—ness His Educaâ—ion was not to any particular Profession yet his parts able to manage all A large soul and a great spirit apart from all advantages can do wonders His Master-piece was Embassi where his brave Estate set him above respectâ— and compliance and his comely person above contempt His Geography and history led to the Interest of other princes and his Experience to that of his own His skill in most Languages helped him to understand others and his resoluâ—ion to use onely his own to be reserved himself In two things he was very scrupulous 1. In his Commission 2. In his servants whom he always he said found honest enough but seldome quick and reserved And in two things very careful viz. 1. The time and humour of his Addresses 2. The Interest Inclinations and Dependencies of Favourites A grave and steady man observing every thing but affected with nothing keeping as great distance between his looks and his heart as between his words and his thoughts Very exact for his priviledges very cold and indifferent in his motions which were always guided by the emergencies in that Country and by his intelligence from home Good he was in pursuing his limited instruction excellent where he was free and his business was not his obedience onely but his discretion too that never failed but in his last enterprize which he undertook without any apparent advantage and attempted without intelligence An Enterprize well worthy his invincible Courage but not his accustomed prudence which should never expose the person of a General to the danger of a common Souldier Observations on the Life of William Lord Pawlet WIlliam Pawlet where-ever born had his laâ—gest estate and highest Honour Baron of Basing and Marquess of Winchâ—ster in Hantshire â— He was descended from a younger house of the Pawlets in Hinton St. George in Somersetshire as by the Crescent in his Arms is acknowledged One telleth us That he being a younger Brother and having wasted all that was left him came to court on trust where upon the stock of his Wit he trafficked so wisely and prospered so well that he got spent and left more than any subject since the Conquest Indeed he lived at the time of the dissolution of Abbeys which was the Harvest of Estates and it argued idleneâ—s if any Courtier had his Barns empty He was servant to King Henry the seventh and for thirty years together Treasuâ—er to King Henry the eightâ— Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth the latter in some sort owed their Crowns to his Counsel his policy being the principal Defeater of Dâ—ke Dudley's Designe to dis-inherit them I behold this Lord Pawlet like to aged Adoram so often mentioned in Scriptures being over the Tribute in the days of King David all the Reign of King Solomon until the first year of Rehoboam And though our Lord Pawlet enjoyed his place not so many years yet did he serve more Soveraigns in more mutable times being as he said of himself No Oak but an Osier Herein the parallel holds not the hoary hairs of Adoram were sent to the Grave by a violent death slain by the people in a Tumult this Lord had the rare happiness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 setting in his full splendour having lived 97 years and seen 103 out of his body He died anno Domini 1572. Thus far Mr. Fuller This Gentleman had two Rules as useful for mankind as they seem opposite to one another 1. That in our Considerations and Debates we should not dwell in deceitful Generals but look into clear Particulars 2. That in our Resolutions and Conclusions we should not rest on various Particulars but rise to uniform Generals A Man he was that reverenced himself that could be vertuous when alone and good when onely his own Theatre his own applause though excellent before the world his vertue improving by fame and glory as an heat which is doubled by reâ—lexion Observations on the Life of Sir James Dier JAmes Dier Knight younger Son to Richard Dier Esquire was born at Round-hill in Somersetshire as may appear to any by the Heralds Visitation thereof He was bred in the study of our Municipal Law and waâ— made Lord Chief Iustice of the Common Pleas primo Eliz. continuing therein twenty four years When Thomas Duke of Norfolk was
difference ended was Is not this easier than going to London or Ludlow When a man fretted against himself or other My Friend he would say take it from me a weakman complains of others an unfortunate man of himself but a wise man neither of others nor of himself It was his Motto I 'll never threaten To threaten an Enemy is to instruct him a Superiour is to endanger my person an Inferiour is to disparage my conduct Old servants were the Ornament and stay of his Family for whom he reserved a Copyhold when aged a service when hopeful an Education when pregnant Twice was he sent underhand to France and once to Scotland to feel the pulse of the one and to embroyl the other It 's for setled Kingdomes and for Wealthy men to play above-board while the young State as the young Fortune should be least in sight He and Sir Thomas Randolph amuse the Queen of Scots with the hope of the Crown of England and the King of France by a League with his protestant subjects to whose aâ—sistance Sir Adrian Poynings arrives as Field-marshal and the Earl of Warwick as General Sir Nicholas Arnold had disposed Ireland to a settlement when Justicer and Sir Henry Sidney formerly Justicer and Treasurer was now to compleat it as Dâ—puty being assisted in Munster by Sir Warham St. Leiger and elsewhere by the brave Earl of Ormond having procured his Antagonist the Earl of Desmond to be called to England in order of a peace and tranquility Great was his Authority over far greater his love to and esteem of the Soldiers with whom he did wonders against Shane Oneals Front while Randolph charged his Rear until the wild Rebels submits and is executed When he resigned his Authority and Honour to Sir William Drury he took his farewel of Ireland in these words VVhen Israel departed out of Egypt and the house of Jacob from a barbarous people A singular man he was saith the Historian and one of the most commendable Deputies of Ireland to whose Wisdome and Fortitude that Kingdome cannot but acknowledge much though it is as impatient of Deputies as Sicily was of old of Procurators Observations on the Life of Sir John Puckering HE was born at Flamboroughead in Yorkshire second Son to a Gentleman that left him an Estate neither plenteous nor penurious his breeding was more beneficial to him than his portion gaining thereby such skill in the common Law that he became the Queens Sergeant speaker in the house of Commons and at last Lord Chancellour of England How he stood in his Iudgement in the point of Church-discipline plainly appeareth by his following speech delivered in the house of Lords 1588. You are especially commanded by her Majesty to take heed that no Ear be given nor time afforded to the wearisome sollicitations of those that commonly be called Puritans where with all the late Parliaments have been exceedingly importuned which â—ort of men whilst that in the giddiness of their Spirits they labour and strive to advance a new eldership they do nothing else but disturb the good repose of the Church and Commonwealth which is as well grounded for the body of Religion it self and as well guided for the discipline as any Realm that confesseth the truth And the same thing is already made good to the world by many of the Writings of godly and learned men neither answered nor answerable by any of these new fangled Refiners And as the present case standeth it may be doubted whether they or the Iesuits do offer more danger or be more speedily to be repressed For albeit the Iesuites do empoyson the hearts of Her Majesties Subjects under a pretext of Conscience to withdraw them from their Obedience due to Her Majesty yet do they the same but closely and in privy-corners But these men do both teach and publish in their printed Books and teach in all their Conventicles sundry Opinions not onely dangerous to a Well-setled Estate and the Policy of the Realm by putting a Piâ—e between the Clergy and the Layty but also much derogatory to her sacred Majesty and her Crown as well by the diminution of her ancient and lawful Revenues and by denying Her Highness Prerogative and Supremacy as by offering peril to her Majesties safety in her own Kingdome In all which things however in other Points they pretend to be at war with the Popish Iesuites yet by this separation of themselves from the unity of their fellow subjects and by abasing the Sacred Authority and Majesty of their Prince they do both joyn and concur with the Iesuites in opening the Door and preparing the way to the Spanish Invasion that iâ— threatned against the Realm And thus having according to the weakness of my best understanding delivered Her Majesties Royal pleasure and wise direction I rest there with humble Suit of her Majesties most gracious Pardon in supplying of my defects and recommend you to the Author of all good councel He died anno Domini 1596 charactered by Mr. Cambden Vir Integer Hiâ— Estate is since descended according to the solemn settlement thereof the Male Issue failing on Sir Henry Newton who according to the Condition hath assumed the surname of Puckering Sir Thomas Egerton urged against the Earl of Arundel methodically what he had done before in and since the Spanish Invasion Sir Iohn Puckering pressed things closely both from Letters and Correspondence with Allen and Parsons that few men had seen and from the saying of my Lord himself which fewer had observed who when Valongers Cause about a Libel was handled in the Star-chamber had said openly He that is throughly Popish the same man cannot but be a Traytor A man this was of himself of good repute for his own Carriage but unhappy for that of his servants who for disposing of his Livings corruptly left themselves an â—ill name in the Church and him but a dubious one in the State David is not the onely person whom the iniquity of his heels that is of his followers layeth hold on Observations on the Life of Sir Thomas Bromley SIr Thomas Bromley was born at Bromley in Shropshire of a right ancient Family He was bred in the Inner Temple and made before he was forty years of age General sollicitor to Queen Elizabeth and afterwards before he was fifty succeeded Sir Nicholas Bacon in the Dignity of Lord Chancellour yet Bacon was not missed while Bromley succeded him and that loss which otherwise could not have been repaired now could not be perceived Which Office he wisely and learnedly executed with much discretion possessing it nine years and died anno 1587 not being sixty years old My Lord Hunsdon first employed this Gentlâ—man and my Lord Burleigh took first notice of him He had a deep head to dive to the bottome of the abstruse Cases of those times and a happy mean to manage them with no less security to the Estate than satisfaction to the people A man very industrious in his
well enough how to set up for himself he now meant to allie him with this young Earl who had yet taken no strong impressions For though the said Sir Walter Rawleigh was a little before this whereof I now speak by occasion much fallen fâ—om his former splendour in Court yet he still continued in some lustre of a favoured man like billows that sink by degrees even when the wind is down that first stirred them Thus runs the discourse of that time at pleasure yet I am not ignorant that there was some good while a very stiff aversation in my Lord of Essex from applying himself to the Earl of Leicester for what secret conceit I know not but howsoever that humour was mollified by time and by his mother and to the Court he came under his Lord. The Duke of Buckingham had another kinde of Germination and surely had he been a plant he would have been recâ—oned amongst the Sponte Nascentes for he sprung without any help by a kind of congenial composure â—s we mâ—y term it to the likeness of oâ—r late Soveraign and master of ever blessed memory who taking him into his regard taught him more and more to please himself and moulded him as it were Platonically to his own Idea delighting first in the choice of the Materials because he found him susceptible of good form and afterward by degrees as great Architects use to do in the workmanship of his Regal hand nor staying here after he had hardned and polished him about ten years in the School of observance for so a Court is and in the furnace of tryal about himself for he was a King could peruse men as well as Books he made him the associate of his Heir apparent together with the new Lord Cottingtoâ— as an adjunct of singular experience and trust in forraign travels and in a business of love and of no equal hazard if the tendernâ—ss of our zeal did not then deceive us enough the world must confess to kindle affection even betwixt the distantest conditions so as by the various and inward conversation abroad besides that before and after at â—ome with the most constant and best-natured Prince Bona si sua norint as ever England enjoyed â—his Duke becomes now secondly seized of favour as it were by descent though tâ—e condition of that estate be no more than a Tenancy at Will or at most â—or the life of the first Lord and rarely transmitâ—ed which I have briefly set down without looking â—eyond the vail of the Temple I mean into the secret of high inclinations since even Satyrical Poets â—who are otherwise of so licentious fancy are in this â—oint modest enough to confess their ignorance Nescio quid certe est quod me tibi temperet Astrum And these were both their Springings and Imprimings as I may call them In the profluence or proceedings of their fortunes I observe likewise not onely much difference between them but in the Eaâ—l not a little from himself First all his hopes of advancement had like to be stâ—anglâ—d almost in the very Cradle by throwing himself into the Portugal Voyage without the Queens consent or so much as her knowledge whereby he lâ—ft his Friends and Dependents near six months in desperate suspense what would become of him And to speak truth not without good reason For first they might well consiâ—er That he was himself not well plumed in favour for such a â—light besides that now he wanted a Lord of Leicester at home for he was dead the year before to smooth his absence and to quench the practices at Court But above all it lay open to every mans discourse that though the bare offence to his Soveraign and Mistress was too great an adventure yet much more when she might as in this case have fairly discharged her displeasure upon her Laws Notwithstanding a noble report coming home before him at his return all was clear and this excursion was esteemed but a Sally of youth Nay he grew every day more and more in her gracious conceit whether such intermissions as these do sometimes foment affection or that having committed a fault he became the more obsequious and plyant to redeem it or that she had not received into her Royal Breast any shadows of his popularity Theâ—e was another time long after when Sir Fulke Grevil late Lord Brooke a man in appearance intrinsecal with him or at the least admitted to his Melancholy hours either belike espying-some weariness in the Queen or perhaps with little change of the word though more in the danger-some marks towards him and working upon the present matter as she was dexterous and close had almost super-induced into favour the Earl of Southampton which yet being timely discovered my Lord of Essex chose to evaporate his thoughts in a Sonnet being his common way to be sung before the Queen as it was by one Hales in whose voyce she took some pleasure whereof the complot me thinks had as much of the Hermit as of the Poet And if thou should'st by Her be now forsaken She made thy Heart too strong for to be shaken As if he had been casting one eye back at the least to his former retiredness But all this likewise quickly vanished and there was a good while afer fair weather over-head Yet still I know not how like a gathering of Clouds till towards his latter time when his humours grew tart as being now in the Lees of favour it brake forth into certain suddain recesses sometimes from the Court to Wansteed otherwhiles unto Greenwich often to his own Chamber Doors shut Visits forbidden and which was worse divers contestations between with the Qâ—een her self all preambles of ruine wherewith though now and then he did wring out of her Majesty some petty contentments as a man would press sowre Grapes yet in the mean time was forgotten the counsel of a wise and then a Prophetical Friend who told him that such courses as those were like hot Waters which help at a pang but if they be too often used will spoil the stomack On the Dukes part we have no such abrupt strains and precipees as these but a fair fluent and uniform course under both Kings And surely as there was in his natural Constitution a marvellous equality whereof I shall speak more afterwards so there was an image of it in his Fortune râ—nning if I may borrow an ancient comparison as smoothly as a numerous Verse till it meet with certain Rubs in Parliament whereof I am induced by the very subject which I hanâ—le to say somewhat so far as shal concern the difference between their times WHen my Lord of Essex stood in favour the Parliaments were calm nay I find it a true observation that there was no impeachment of any Nobleman by the Commons from the Reign of King Henry the sixth until the eighteenth of King Iames nor any intervenient precedâ—nt of that nature not that something or other could be
of civility when by King Iames made Lord Deputy of Ireland Indeed good Laws and Provisions had been made by his Predecessors to that purpose but alas they were like good Lessons set for a Lute out of tune useless until the Instrument was fitted for them Wherefore in order to the civilizing of the Irishry in the first year of his government he established two new Circuits for Justices of Assize the one in Connaught the other in Mâ—nster And whereas the Circuits in former times only encompassed the English Pale as the Cynosura doth the Polâ— hence forwards like good Planeâ—s in their several Spheres they carried the influence of Justice round about the Kingdom Yea in short time Ireland was so cleared of Thieves and capital Offenders that so many Malefactors have not been found in the 32 Shires of Ireland as in six English Shires in the Western Circuits He reduced the Mountains and Glinnes on the Soâ—th of Dublin formerly thornes in the side of the English pale into the County of Wicklow and in conformity to the English 〈◊〉 om many Irish began to cut their Mantles into Cloaks So observant was his eye over the actions of suspected persons that Tyrone was heard to complain That he could not drink a full carouse of Sack but the Sâ—ate within few hours was advertised thereof After he had been continued many years in his Deputyship and deservedly made a Lord King Iâ—mes recalled him home and loath to leave his Abilities unemployed sent him Embassador to the Emperour and other German Princes Being â—eâ—ieged in the City of Mainchine a place much indebted to his prudence for seasonable victualling it by Count Tilley he sent him word that it was against the Law of Nations to besiege an Embassador Tilley returned that he took no notice that he was an Embasâ—adâ—t The Lord Chichester replyed to the Messenger Had my Master sent me with as many hundred men as he hath sent me on fruitless Mâ—ssâ—ges your General should have known that I had â—â—en â— Soâ—dier â—as well as an Embassador King Iâ—mes â— at his return entertained him with great commendations for so well dischaâ—ging his Trust and he died in as great honour as any English-man of our Age. Thus far the Historians Whence I observe him stout in his nature above any disorder upon Emergencies resolved in his temper above any impressions from other Princes and high in his Proposal beyond the expectation of his own Alvâ—rgonzoto el Diablo le traxo al Palacio The Devil brought the Bashful to Court where none succeeds but he who can ask enough to be granted and enough to be abated There is a memorable observation of Philip the second King of Spain called El prudente That when 〈◊〉 had designed one for Embassador the man came faintly and coldly to him to propose some things for the accommodation of his Embassie and he said How can I expect that this man can promote and effectuate my business when he is so faint and fearful in the solicitation of his own Yet was not my Lord Chichester more resolute in Germany than wary in Ireland where his opinion was that time must open and facilitate things for Reformation of Religion by the Protestant Plantations by the care of good Bishops and Divines the amplification of the Colledge the education of Wards an insensible seisure of Popish liberties c. and that the Council there was so numerous fifty or sixty at least that the authority of it was debated and its business divulged In a word this brave Gentleman had an equal mind that kept up it self between the discourses of Reason and the examples of Histories in the enjoyment of a good fortune and a conflict with a bad Observations on the Life of the Lord Chancellor Egerton THe Lord Chancellour Egerton extracted from the ancient Family of the Egerton's of Kidley in Cheshire was bred in the study of the Municipal Laws of our Land wherein he attained to such eminency that Queen Elizabeth made him her Solicitor then Master of the Rolls and at last Keeper of the Great Seal May 6. in the 38 year of her Reign 1596. Olaus Magnuâ— reporteth that the Emperour of Moscovia at the Audience of Ambassadors sendeâ—h for the gravest and seemliest men in Mosco and the Vicinage whom he apparelleth in rich Vests and placing them in his presence pretendeth to Forâ—aigners that these are of his Privy-Council who cannot but be much affected with so many reverent Aspects But surely all Christendome afforded not a peâ—son which carried more gravity in his countenance and behaviour than Sir Thomas Egerton insomuch that many have gone to the Chancery on purpose only to see his venerable Garb happy they who had no other business and were highly pleased at so acceptable a spectacle Yet was his outward Case nothing in comparison of his inward Abilities quick Wit solid Judgement ready Utterance I confess Master Cambden saith he entred his Office Magna expectatione integritatis opinione with a great expectation and opinion of Integrity But no doubt had he revised his work in a second Edition he would have afforded him a full-faced commendation when this Lord had turned his expectation to performance In the first of King Iames of Lord Keeper he was made Lord Chancellor which is also another name for the same Office and on Thursday the seventh of November 1616. of Lord Elismer he was created Viscount Brackley It is given to Courts whose Jurisdictions do border to fall out about their bounds and the contest betwixt them is the hotter the higher the spirits and parts of the respective Judges Great was the contention for many years together betwixt this Lord of Equity and Sir Edward Câ—â—ke the Oracle of Justice at Westminster-Hall I know not which of them got the better sure I am such another Contest would if this did not have undone the Conqueror He was attended on with servants of most able parts and was the sole Chancellor since the Reformation who had a Chaplain which though not immediately succeeded him in his place Hâ— gave over his Office which â—he held full twenty years some few days before his death and by his own appointment his body was brought down and buried at Duddleston in Cheshire leaving a fair estate to his Son who was afterwards created Earl of Bridgewater as he did to his excellent Son now living When he saw King Iames his munificence to some Courtiers with the grave Fidelity of a Statesman he sticked not often to tell him That as he held it necessary for his Majesty amply to remâ—nerate all those his Countrey-men so he desired him carefully to preserve his Crown lands for his own support seeing he or his Successors might meet with Parliaments which would not supply his occasions but on such conditions as would not be very acceptable unto him It was an ordinary speech in his mouth to say Frost and Fraud both end in Foul. His plain but honest
of Count Arundel's without the Assignation of any proper Place unto him King Iames had heard sâ— much of the Father that he did not care for the Son who might have been near his Person had not his Ancestors been so near â—his Predecessors no other Considerations being likely to keep so extraordinary parts at this distance from a King that valued them so highly or a Kingdom that needed them so much That Prince being as jealous an observer of Original sin in Policy as he was an Orthodox Assertor of it in Religion would trust no tainted bloâ—d He writ an excellent discourse of Religion as the blind Senator in Juvenal made a large Encomium of the goodly Turbet which lay before Caesar but as ill luck would have it turned himself quite the contrary way at illi dâ—xtra jâ—câ—bat bellua a man right of Chrysippus his temper who sometimes wanted Opinions but never Arguments which he managed all ways with contempt of and opposition to the School-way which going the distinctest way to stateâ— went the nearest way to end controversies but was slighted by him as unintelligible because it had been passed by him as unstudied as the old Woman in Seneca complained that the Room was dark when only her Eyes were so and his new 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherein he made his private and crazy judgment the Standard and Seal of common truth took a little with mens first thoughts but lost themselves with their wiser and second like the Log in the Fable which terrified the poor Frogs with the noise it made at the first falling of it into the waters but afterwards they insulted over it and took their turns to leap upon it When I consider Metiochus his cariage in Plutarc and Sir Robert's Character in Florence haec a se non multum abludit imago Metiochus is Captain Metiochus is Surveyor Metiochus bakes the Bread Metiochus grinds the Corn Metiochus doth all right one of AEsop's fellows that could say and do all things so that others need say and do nothing a very happy man if while living he had deserved the Character idle Vaccia had when dead Hîc situs est Vaccia here lyeth Vaccia Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Bancroft DOctor Richard Bancroft whom his Adversaries character a better States-man than Divine a better Divine than Preacher though upon good occasion he shewed he was all these was bred in Iesus Colledge in Cambridge where his parts in discovering the bottom of Presbytery and his sufficiency when his Patron Hatton's Examiner commended him to Queen Eliz. to be Bishop of London and to King Iames to be Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Indeed he was in effect Arch-Bishop while Bishop to whom Doctor Whitgift in his decrepit age remitted the managing of matters so that he was the soul of the High-Commission A great States-man he was and grand Champion of Church-discipline having well hardned the hands of his Soul which was no more than needed for him who was to meddle with Nettles and Bryars and met with much opposition No wonder if those who were silenced by him in the Church were loud against him in other places David speaketh of poyson under mens lips This Bishop tasted plentifully thereof from the mouths of his Enemies till at last as Mithridates he was so habited to poisons that they became food unto him Once a Gentleman coming to visit him presented him a Libel which he found pasted on his door who being nothing moved thereat said Cast it to an hundred more which lye here on a hâ—ap in my Chamber Many a Libel Lye because false Bell because loud was made upon him The aspersion of covetousness though cast doth not stick on his memory being confuted by the Estate which he left small in proportion to his great preferment being but 6000 l. after being above twelve years in London and Canterbury He cancelled his first Will wherein he had bequeathed much to the Church suspecting an impression of popular violence on Cathedrals and fearing an Alienation of what was bequeathed unto them he thought fit to cancel his own to prevent others cancelling his Testament This partly appears by his second Will wherein he gave the Library at Lambeth the result of his own and three Predecessors collections to the University of Cambridge which now they possess in case the Arch-Episcopal See should be extinct How came such a jealousie into his mind what fear of a storm when the Sun shined the Sky clear no appearance of Clouds Surely his skill was more than ordinary in the complexion of the Common-wealth who did foresee what afterward for a time came to pass This clause providentially inserted secured this Library in Cambridge during the vacancy of the Archi-Episcopal see and so prevented the embezelling at the least the dismembring thereof in our late civil distempers They that accuse this excellent Prelate of cruelty never read this story A Ministeâ— privately protested to him that it went against his conscience to conform Which way said the good Arch-Bishop observing the mans ingenuity will you live if you be put out of your Benefice The other answered He had no other way but to gâ— a begging Not so said the Arch-bishop that you shall not need to do but come to me and I will take order for your maintenance They that exclaimed against his unserviceableness never observed this passage A company of young Courtiers appeared extraordinary gallant at a Tilting far above their Fortunes and Estates giving for their Motto Solvat Ecclesia Bishop Bancroft then of London hearing of it finds on enquiry that the Queen was passing a considerable parcel of Church-lands to them and stops the business with his own and his friends Interest leaving these Gallants to pay the shot of their pride and prodigality out of their own purses And this that a prevalent Courtier had swallowed up the whole Bishoprick of Durham had not this Arch-Bishop seasonably interposed his power with King Iames ready enough to admit such Intercessions and dashed the design They that traduce him for a Papist forget that he fomented the difference between the Seculars and Regulars to the weakning and promoted the foundation of Chelsey-Colledge to the ruining of that cause But they that perform great actions reserving as it is fit the reason of them in their own bosomes may sufficiently satisfie their Consciences towards God though they can hardly avoid the censures of men I shall add no more concerning this excellent Prelate but that it was observed as the Historian writes That at Hampton-Court-Conference Arch-Bishop Whitgift spake most gravely Bishop Bilson most learnedly but Bishop Bancroft when out of passiâ—n most politickly Observations on the Life of the Lord Grandison SIr Oliver Saint-Iohn Lord Grandison c. descended of an ancient and honourable Family whose prime Seat was at Lediard-Tregoze in Wiltshire though their first settlement was in South-Wales He was bred in the Wars from his youth and at last by King Iames
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
then his Lord let him feel what he had threatned my Lord Bacon when he advanced him That if he did not owe his preferment alwayes to his favour he should owe his fall to his frown The peremptoriness of his judgement â—endred him â—dious his compliance with Bristol suspected and his Sermon at King Iames his Funeral his tryal rather than his preferment obnoxiâ—us His spirit was great to act and too great to suffer It was prudence to execute his decrees against all opposition while in power it was not so to bear up his miscarriages against all Authority while in disgrace A sanguine complexion with its resolutions do well in pursuit of success Phlegm and its patience do better in a reâ—reat from miscarriages This he wanted when it may be thinking â—ear was the passion of King Charls his Governâ—ent as well as King Iames he seconded his easie â—all with loud and open discontents and those discontents with a chargeable defence of his servants that were to justifie them and all with that unsafe popularity invidious pomp and close irregularity that laid him open to too many active persons that watched him Whether his standing out against Authority to the perplexing of the Government in the Star-Chamber in those troublesom times his entertainment and favour for the Discontented and Non-Conformists his motions for Reformation and alteration in twelve things his hasty and unlucky Protestation in behalf of the Bishops and following actions in England and Wâ—les where it 's all mens wonder to hear of his meruit sub Parliamento had those private grounds and reasons that if the Bishop could have spoke with the King but half an hour he said would have satisfied him the King of Kings only knoweth to whom he hath given I hope a better account than any Historian of his time hath given for him But I understaâ—d better his private inclinationâ— than his publick actions the motions of his naâ—â—â—â—â— than those of his power the conduct of the oâ—â— being not more reserved and suspitious tha◠〈◊〉 effects of the other manifest and noble for nâ—◠〈◊〉 mention his Libraries erected at Sr. Iohn's 〈◊〉 Westminster his Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge 〈◊〉 repairs of his Collegiate Church his pensions 〈◊〉 Scholars more numerous than all the Bishops and Noble-mens besides his Rent-charges on all the Benefices in his Gift as Lord Keeper or Bishop of Lincoln to maintain hopeful youth according to the Statute in that â—ase provided Take this remarkable instance of his munificence that when Du Moulin came over he calleth his Chaplain now the R. R. Father in God Iohn Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield and telleth him he doubted the good man was low wishing him to repair to him with some money and his respects with assurance that he would wait upon him himself at his first liesure The excellent Doctor rejoyneth that he could carry him no less than twenty pounds the noble Bishop replyeth he named not the sum to sound his Chaplains mind adding that twenty pounds was neither fit for him to give nor for the reverend Forreigner to receive Carry him said he an hundred pounds He is libelled by common fame for unchaste though those that understood the privacies and casualties of his Infancy report him but one degree removed from a Misogonist though to palliate his infirmities he was most compleat in Courtly addresses the conversableness of this Bishop with Women consisted chiefly if not only in his treatments of great Ladies and Persons of honour wherein he did personate the compleatness of courtesie to that Sex otherwise a woman was seldom seen in his house which therefore had always more of Magnificence than Nearness sometimes defective in the Punctilio's and Niceties of Daintiness lying lower than masculine Cognizance and as level for a womans eye to espy as easie for her hands to amend He suffereth for conniving at Puritans out of hatred to Bishop Laud and for favouring Papists oâ—t of love to them Yet whatever he offered King Iames when the Match went on in Spain as a Couâ—cellour or whatever he did himself as a States-man sâ—ch kindness he had for our Liturgy that he translated it at his own cost into Spanish and used it in the visitation of Melvin when sick to his own peril in the Tower and such resolution for Episcopacy that his late Majesty of blessed memory said once to him My Lord I commend you that you are no whit daunted with all disasters but are zealous in defending your Order Please it your Majesty replyed the Arch-Bishop I am a true Welsh-man and they are observed never to run away till their General first forsakes them No fear of my flinching while your Majesty doth countenance our Cause His extraction was gentile and ancient as appeared from his Ancestors Estate which was more than he could purchase without borrowing when at once Lord Keeper Bishop of Lincoln and Deau of Westminster His mind great and resolute insomuch that he controuled all other advices to his last to his loss in Wales and daunted Sir Iohn Cook as you may see in his character to his honour in England His wariness hath these arguments 1. That he would not send the Seal to the King but under lock and key 2. That being to depute one to attend in his place at the Coronation he would not name his Adversary Bishop Laud to gratifie him nor yet any other to displease the King but took a middle way and presented his Majesty a List of the Prebendaries to avoid any exception referring the Election to his Majesty himself 3. That he proposed a partial Reformation of our Church to the Parliament to prevent an utter extirpation by it 4. That he exposed others to the censure of the Parliament 1625. to save himself 5. That he answered to several Examinations without any the least advantage taken by his Antagonist This character of his I think very exact That his head was a well-fitted treasury and his tongue the fair key to unlâ—ck it That he had as great a memory â—s could be reconciled with so good a judgement That so quick his parts that others study went not beyond his nature and their designed and forelaid performances went not beyond his sudden and ready accommodations Only he was very open and too free in discourse disdaining to lye at a close guard as confident of the length and strength of his weapon Observations on the Life of Sir Isaac Wake THis honourable person whom I look upon at Oxford in the same capacity and fortune that Sir Robert Naunâ—on and Sir Francis Nethâ—rsole were in at Cambridge He was born in Northampton-shire his Father Arthur Wake being Parson of Billing Master of the Hospital of St. Iohns in Northampton and Canon of Christs-Church bred Fellow of Mâ—rton-Colledge in Oxford Protector and Orator of that University whence he was admitted Secretary to Sir Dudly Carleton Secretary of State and afterward advanced into the King's service and by his Master
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
when cast off by the Rebels Observations on the Life of Arch-Bishop Juxon WIlliam â—Iuxon born at Chichester in Sussex was bred Fellow in St. Iohn's Colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Batchelor of Law very young but very able for that Degree afterwards becoming Doctor in the same Faculty and President of the Colledge was one in whom Nature had not omitted but Grace had ordered the Teâ—rarch of humours being admirably Maâ—ter of his Pen and Passion For his Abilities he was successively preferred by King Charles the first Bishop of Hâ—reford and London and for some years Lord Treasurer of England wherein he had Religion to be honest and no self-interest to be corrupt A troublesom place in thoâ—e times being expected he should make much Brick though not altogether without yet with very little straw allowed unto him Large then the Expences low the Revenues of the Exchequer Yet those Coffers he found empty he left filling and had left full had Peace been preserved in the Land and he continued in his Place Such the mildness of his temper that Petitioners for money when it was not to be had departed well pleased with his Denials they were so civilly languaged It may justly seem a wonder that whereas few spake well of Bishops at that time and Lord Tâ—â—asuâ—ers at all Times are liable to the complaints of discontented people though both Offices met in this man yet with Demetrius he was well reported of all men and of the truth it self He lived to see much shame and contempt undeservedly poured on his Function and all the while possessed his own soul in patience Nor was it the least part of this Prelate's honour that amongst the many worthy Bishops of our Land King Charles the first selected him for his Confessor at his Martyrdom when he honoured him with this testimony That good man He formerly had had experience in the case of the Earl of Strafford that this Bishop's Conscience was bottom'd on piety not policy â—he reason that from him â—e received the Sacrament good comfort and counsel just before he was muâ—dered I say just before the Royal Martyr was murdered a Fact so foul that it alone may confuâ—e the Error of the Pelagians maintaining that all sin cometh by imitation the Universe not formerly affording such a Precedent as if those Regicides had purposely designed to disprove the observation of Solâ—mon that there is no new thing under the Sun King Charles the second preferred him Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1660. He died in the year of our Lord 1663. and with great solemnity was buried in St. Iohn's Colledge in Oxford to which he was a great Benefactor though a greater to Pauls and Lambeth and greatest of all to the Church which his eminence adorned and his temper secured in those times wherein roughness enraged that humour which delay and moderation broke a discreet yielding to the multitude is the securest way of Conquest They that hold together by opposition languish and moulder away by indulgence In his duty this good man went along with Conscience in Government with Time and Law He had the happiness that K. Iames admired in a Statesman of his time to do all things suavibus modis He referred his Master in the Earl of Strafford's case as he did himselâ— in all cases to his own Conscience for matter of fact and to the Judges for matter of Law who according to their Oath ought to carry themselvâ—s indifferently between the King and his Subjects The King was not more happy in this faiâ—hful servant than he was in his followers among whom there was no uncivil Austerity to disoblige the Subjects nor base Corruption to incense them They need not keep state they had so much real power nor extort they had so much allowed advantage His care was his servants and their care his business His preferments were his burthen rather than his honour advanced by him rather than advancing him and therefore he was more ready to lay them down than others to take them up Witness his Treasurers Place which when he parted with like those that scatter their Jewels in the way that they may debar the violence of greedy pursuers no less than four durst undertake when his single self sufficed for the two greatest troubles of this Nation the Treasureship of England and the Bishoprick of London Religion was the inclination and composure as well as care of his soul which he used not as the artifice of pretence or power but as the ornament and comfort of a private breast never affecting a pompous piety nor a magnificent vertue but approving himself in secret to that God who would reward him openly His devotion was as much obove other mens as his Calling his meditations equal with his cares and his thoughts even and free between his Affairs and his Contemplations which were his pleasures as well as his duty the uniform temper and pulse of his Christian soul. Neither was his Religion that of a man only but that of a Bishop too that made his Piety as universal as his Province by such assistances of power as brought carnel men if not to an obedience yet to such a degree of reverence that if they did not honour they might not despise it His justice was as his Religion clear and uniform First the ornament of his heart then the honour of his action Neither was Justice leavened with rigour or severity but sweetned with clemency and goodness that was never angry but for the pubâ—ick and not then so much at the person as the offence So ambitious of that great glory of Moderation that he kept it up in spight of the times malignity wherein he saw all change without himself while he remained the self-same still within the Idea of sobriety and temperance vertues that he put off only with his life Neither was this a defect of spirit but the temper of it that though it never provoked troubles yet it never feared them His minde was always great though his fortune not so Great to suffer though not always able to act so good his temper and so admirable his humility that none ever went discontented from him Never courting but always winning people having a passage to their hearts through their brain and making them first admire and then love him He was slow not of speech as a defect but to speak out of discretion because when speaking he plentifully paid the Principal and Interest of his Auditors expectation In a word his government as a Bishop was gentle benigne and paternal His management of the Treasury was such that he served his Prince faithfully satisfied all his friends and silenced all his enemies of which he had enough as a Bishop Greatness is so invidious and suspected though none as a man goodness is so meek and inoffensive The most thought the worse of Dr. Iuxon for the Bishops sake the best thought the better of the Bishop for Dr. Iuxon's sake Observations on the