than they were Vertue though obscure may satisfie me it must be renowned or it câ—nnot serve otheâ—s But action is the life of things and good dispoâ—itions are rather a mans Inclinations than his Vertue Both therefore are in their Courage regular in their Conduct observant in their Addresâ—es obliging in their Passions even in their Enjoyments severe and in their Services equal Sir Thomas Mannors first weakned the Northern Rebels by such discreeâ— Propositions as met with many of their Humours and Interests and then resolved to engage them but that the little Brook Dua swelled miraculously to a River bâ—tween both Armies And at the same time Sir Ralph Evers held Scarborough â— Castle where he had no Souldiers but his own Servants nor any sustenance for twenty days but bread and water For this service he is made Lord Warden of the Marches as Sir Thomas is Lord Governour of the North. Both did his Majesty as much service in Peace for his Revenue as in War for his Security Both against the Cardinal's way of raising Money which was but the relieving of a present need by laying the foundation of a lasting inconvenience being veâ—y careful that their Master did not lose in the president what he gained in the money Observations on the Life of Sir John Baker THere is one of this Name remarqueable in every Kings Reign since the Conquest here is one now renowned in this 1. For Integrity to be neither awed nor corrupted 2. For a Spirit publick as Nature neither moved with particular respects nor terminated in a private Design The French were so insolent in London the eighth year of Henry the Eighth that when one Williamson a Carpenter was about to pay for two Pigeons he bought a Frenchman takes them out of his handâ— saying They were no meat for Carpenters but for my Lord Embassadour who concerned himselâ— so muâ—h in the case that he had Williamson imprisoned Sir Iohn sued to the Embassadour for the man who answered That the English Knave deserved to be hanged for denying any thing to a French man Whereupon Sir Iohn replied You know not that you are in London A noâ—able reply considering that the City was up next day against Strangers in so dâ—sâ—erate a tumult that none could suppress but Sir Thomas More and none settle but Sir William Kingston and Sir Iohn Baker No sooner had he allayed the disorder at home but he with the Bishop of St. Asaph are sent to appease a Rebellion abroad I mean in Denmark though in vain when the Kings cruelty exceeded their apology and ruine was more elegiable with that people than duty or obedience Where he observed these six Maximes in order to a newly conquer'd Kingdome 1. That the Royal Line should be extinguished 2. That the old Customs in Lawes and Taxes should be observed 3. The Prince must be there to observe their humours in person 4. That the Officers be moderate and honest 5. That there be Colonies planted in one or two places that are the Keys of the Sâ—ate 6. That the Neighbours should be weakned and divided and the In-land Forts demolished As he would have composed the troubles of forreign Princes so he served the necessities of his own being the most successfull Commissioner for the Benevolence in the Countrey and the most active Agent for the loan in London Wherefore I finde him Chancellour of the Exchequer An. 1545 and one of the assistants to the Trustees for King Edward 1547. Judge Mountague was the onely person that durst dispute King Edward's Will Judge Hales and Sir Iohn Baker were the onely Councellours that durst refuse it the first whereof stood to the Law against â—ower the second to his Allegiance against Interest and both to the rights of the Crown which are lasting rather than the Designes of some Favourites that are as momentary as their Greatness and as uncertain as their Grandeur This constant and firm resolution to stick to his Duty and Lâ—yalty brought him to his Grave in peace and honour having been a faithful Councellour and Servant to King Henry the eighth King Edward the sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Observations on the Life of Sir William Kingstons HE was one of the greatest Courriers at Masks and Revels one of the best Captains at Sea and one of the most valiant and Skilful Commanders by Land None more pleasing to the English Ladies none more terrible to the Fâ—ench King Cunningly did he discover the King of Spains Designe upon Navarre to his Majâ—sty by preâ—ending a Revolt to that King of Spain and as cunningly did he draw the French Troops into a snare by counterfeiting a retreat towards Britany His Advice had saved the Admiral at Brest and his Foresight did rescue Sir Edward Belknap near Guisâ—es He was Knighted for his Service at Tournay and made Marshal for his Success at Flodden He was one of them that perswaded the City to its duty at Shoreditch and if that would not do he was to command it from the Tower being Commissiâ—ner in the fiâ—st place Aug. 2. and Lieutenant of the second September 6. The Multitude is rather to be awed than reasoned with Some Princes have disarmed their Subjects others have divided them a third sort have obliged them others yet have kept up Plots amongst them but all have built and commanded Fortresses to secure themselves It were well if Love did it 's necessary that Fear should guide this World The King condescended one day to Just with him and he though invincible to fall by his Majesty You must let a Prince be a Prince in every thing So complaisant he was that he was one of the six Maskers at Court at 50 and yet so grave that when divers young men that were familiar with the King after the French mode were banished he kept his Station as one of the stayed men at 30. He was one of the 16 that attended the King in his first Interview with the Emperour and one of the 40 that waited on him in the two last with the King of France narrowly escaping at the last that poyson as some thought or ill vapours as others conclude whereof the open-hearted Lord Brooks the valiant Sir Edward Poynings reserved Sir Iohn Pechy and active Sir Edward Belknap died whereupon with his advice all French-men were put to their Fines and all Scotch to their ransome Neither was he onely for shew but service too leading the Right Wing of the Army at Guisnes when Sir Everard Digby commandeth the Left the Lord Sands the Vanguard Sir Edward Guilford then Marshal of Callis the Horse Sir Richard Wink-field the Rear and the Duke of Suffolk the main Battle Where his Assaults on Cappe and Roy spake him a Souldier as his underhand correspondence with the Lord Iâ—â—lstein argued him a States-man Sir Thomas Maunors the first Earl of Rutland of that Name discovered and Sir William Kingston told His Majesty the Cardinals Plots against the Kings
careful to maintain itâ— knowing that in vain do the brows beat the eyes sparkle the tongue threaten the fist bend and the arm strike if the belly be not fed and the back cloathed and indeed this was his Master-piece that the Queen vying Gold and Silverâ— with the King of Spain had Money or Credit when the other had neither Her Exchâ—quer saith my Author though but a Pond in comparison holding water when his River fed with a spring from the Indies was dreined dâ—y It was with his advice that that Queen paid her Obligations in Preferments rather than Money giving away not above two Largesses of that nature in her life In a word when others set in a Cloud he shined clear to his last He saw Essex dead Leicester slighted Mount-joy discountenanced and what with the Queens constant favour which lodged where it lighted and his own temper and moderation when more violent men failed he died as great a Favourite as he lived leaving his son Thomas so much Estate as advanced him to the Earldome of Exeter and his son Robert so much state-Discipline as raised him successive to be Secretary of state Master of the Court of Wards Lord Treasurer and Earl of Salisbury He was a very exact and a wary Observer of Forreign Transaction witness this passage to Sir Henry Norris Embassador in France The rare manner of your Entertainment hath moved the Queens Majesty to muse upon what score it should be being more than hath been used in like cases to her Embassadors and such as besides your own report hath been by others lately advertised And for that in such things Gueses be doubtful I pray you by your next advertise me what your self do think of it and in the mean time I know you are not untaught to judge of the difference between fair words and good deeds as the saying is Fortuna cum ad blaâ—ditur Capitum advenit His thoughts of a Rebel that submitted take in these words Of late Shane Oneal hath made means to the Lord Deputy of Ireland to be received into grace pretending that he hath meant no manner of unlawfulness towards the Queen by which is gathered that he groweth weary of his lewdness yet I think he is no otherwise to be reformed than by sharp prosecution which is intended to be followed no whit the less for any his fair Writings as reason is Of Intelligence he writes thus I doubt not but you shall have of his hand no lack of Intelligence which you must credit as you see cause by proof of the event About Embassadors Dispatches he saith He must write apart to the Secretary in matters containing trouble and business and to his Soveraign of Advice In a particular Negotiation about Pyrates he advised That the King of France and his Council might perceive that it is well known how the Pyrates are suffered to do what they will notwithstanding it be contrary to Proclamation And yet you shall so order the matter saith he to a French Ambassadour as not that you shall find fault with this manner of suffering for that ought properly to be to the Spanish or Portugal Embassador with whom you may sometime deal to understand how they do know what is done and how they do interpret it Touching the King of Scots murther he would say There are words spoken which I hold best to suppress Neither would I have you saith he to his friend utter any of these things not doubting but shortly God will cause the truth to be revealed Of an underhand Traytor he writes to his friend I pray write unto me somewhat more particularly for the proof of his trayterous speeches whereby there might be some ground made how to have him demanded Of the demanding of a Town promised in a Treaty Sir Thomas Smith went to demand Callis not that we think the Goveâ—nour will deliver it but to avoid all cavillation which they might invent for by Law it must be demanded upon the very place and being not delivered the sum of 500000 It is forfeited Mrâ— Winter shall pass secretly with him to take possession thereof if they deceive our expectation but not past three of the Council know of Winteâ—s going Concerning the unreasonable words of Princes he saith If hereof the Embassador meaning the French shall make any sinister report you may as you see cause well maintain the Queens answer to be very reasonable as having cause to mislike the manner of writing of the Queen thereon which neverthe less you may impute to the unadvisedness of the Secretary for so the Queens Majesty doth impute it Of the troubles in Scotland he observed the French made their present advantage to the damage of England and you know that Scotlaâ—d is the French King to it as Ireland is the Spanish Of Fâ—rraign News he writes to Sir Henry Norris That hâ— would be glad to have a Note of the Names of the chiefest Nobility of Frâ—nce and with whom they be married adding thereto any other thing that may belong to the knowledge of their lineage and degreeâ— as you shall think meet He writes That her Majesty being a Prince her self is doubtful to give countenance to subjects I wish saith he to have a Kalender of them who are with the Prince and also to see the Edicts that have lately passed from the King against them and that in these troublesome times wherein accidents are so diversly reported your advices were large and repeated aâ—d that we had such Articles as pass on both sides Of France he sâ—iâ—h You must think that seeing all the parts of Christendome are intentive to hear of the matters of France we cannot be careless to whom the same belongeth next of all whatsoever the end thereof shall be Of the Distractions of France thus to our Embassador in France If you told the Queen-mother so as of your own head as a thing you hear spread abroad in the world I think you mâ—ght do well and speak truly for as for the Popes Ministers their â— rofession is to prefer the Weal of their own Church before the good state of any Kingdome on earth and whatsoever come of any thing they look onely to the continuance of their own ambitious Ruling And as for other Ministers of Princes or for men of War it is a truth infallible The more they do impoverish that Monarchy of France the better they think their own Estates Of a plot discovered he writes We can truly hit no man wherefore it is necessary that you speak again with the Party that gave you this Intelligence and if the matter be of truth and not a disguising to some other purpose he can as weâ—l obtain you the knowledge of the party in certainty as thus to give a guise at him for as he hath his Intelligence of the matter which he uttered to you so may he attain to a more perfect knowledge For the Protestants he saith I pray you put them in comfort
daintyâ— that cost him less and contented his guests more His Table constant and even where all were welcome and none invited 3. His Hall was full most commonly his Gates always the one with the honest Gentry and Yeomen who were his Retainers in love and observance bringing good stomacks to his Table and resolved hearts for his service the holding up of his hand in the Northern business being as affectual as the displaying of a Banner The other with the 1. Aged 2. Maimed 3. Industrious Poor whose craving was prevented with doles and expectation with bounty the first being provided with meat the second with money and the third with employment In a word Mr. Cambden observes That Hospitality lieth buried since 1572 in this Earls Grave whence may that Divine Power raise it that shall raise him but before the last Resurrâ—ction when there will be plenty to bestow in one part of the world and no poor to be relieved poverty in the other and no bounty to relieve Neither was he munificent upon other mens charge for once a moneth he looked into his Incomeâ— and once a weak to his Disbursements that none should wrong him or be wronged by him The Earl of Derby he would say shall keep his own House wherefore it 's an Observation of him and the second Duke of Norfolk That when they were buried not a Trades-man could demand the payment of a Groat that they owed him nor a Neighbour the restitution of a peny they had wronged him They say The Grass groweth not where the Grand Seigniors Horse treads nor doth the People thrive where the Noble-men inhabitâ— But here every Tenant was a Gentleman and every Gentleman my Lords Companion such his Civility cowards the one and great penny worths to the other Noblemen in those days esteemed the love of their Neighbours more than their fear and the service and fealty of their Tenants more than their money Now the Landlord hath the sweat of the Tenants brow in his Coffers then he had the best blood in his Veins at his command That grand word On mine Honour was security enough for a Kingdome and the onely Asseveration he used It was his priviledge that he need not swear for a testimony and his renown that he would not for his honour Great was this Families esteem with the people and eminent their favour with their Soveraigns as which ever bestowed it self in obliging their Liege-people improving their interest and supporting their Throne for though they were a long time great Kings of Man and Hearts yet were they as long faithfull subjects to England Observations on the Life of Sir William Fiâ—z-Williams A Childe of Fortune from his Cradle made uâ— of confidence and reputation never unwarily shewing his Vertue or Worth to the world with any disadvantage When Britain had as little sleepiness and sloath as night when it was all day and all activity He as all young Sparks of that Age trailed a Pike in the Netherlands the Seminary of the English Soldiery and the School of Europes Discipline as a Souldier and travelled as a Gentleman until that place graced him civilly with a Command which he had honoured eminently with his service His friends checked him for undertaking an Employment so boysterous and he replyed upon them That it was as necessary as it seemed irregular for if some were not Souldiers all must be so He said He never durst venture on War with men till he had made his Peace with God A good Conscience breeds great Resolutions and the innocent Soul is impregnable None more fearful of doing evil none more resolved to suffer there being no hardship that he would avoid no undecency that he would allow Strict he was to his Commission and yet observant of his advantage never tempting a danger never flying it careful of his first life and himself but more of his other and his name When the methods of Obedience advanced him to the honour of commanding six things he was Chronicled for 1. Never making the Aged the Young or the Weak the Objects of his Rage which could not be so of his Fear 2. That he never basely killed in cold blood them that had nobly escaped his Sword in hot 3. That he never led the Souldiers without pâ—y or quartered in the Country without money 4. That though he was second to none that acted in War such his Valour yet he was the first that spake for Peace such his sweet Disposition 5. That he would never suffer that a Clergy-man should be abused a Church violated or the Dead be unburied 6. That he would never force an Enemy to a necessity always saying Let us disarm them of their best Weapons Despair nor fight an Enemy before he had skirmished him nor undertake a designe before he consulted his God his Council his Friends his Map and his History His own Abilities commended and his alliance with Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy whose Sister he married promoted him to the government of Ireland Once did the Queen send him thither for his Brothers sake four times more for his own sake a sufficient evidence saith my Friend of his Ability and Integrity since Princes never trust twice where they are once deceived in a Minister of State He kept up his Mistressâ—s Interest and she his Authority enjoying the Earl of Essex so much above him in honour to truckle under him in Commission when Governour of vlster and he Lord Deputy of Ireland Defend me said Luther to the Duke of Saxony with your Sword and I will defend you with my Pen. Maintain my Power saith the Minister of State to his Soveraign and I will support your Majesty Two things he did for the settlement of that Kingdome 1. He raised a Composition in Munster 2. He established the Possessions of the Lords and Tenants in Monahan Severe he was always against the Spanish Faction but very vigilant in 88 when the dispersed Armado did look but durst not land in Ireland except driven by Tempest and then finding the shore worse than the Sea But Leicester dieth and he fails when his Sun was set it was presently night with him Yra la soga con el Calderon where goeth the Bucket there goeth the Rope where the Principal miscarrieth all the Dependants fall with him as our râ—nowned Knight who died where he was born there is a Circulation of all things to their Original at Milton in Northamptonshire 1594. Observations on the Life of the Earl of Pembroke AN excellent man and one that fashioned his own Fortune His Disposition got favour and his Prudence wealth the first to grace the second and the second to support the first under King Henry the eighth whose Brother-in-law he was by his wife and Chamberlain by his place When others were distracted with Factions in King Edwards Reign he was intent upon his Interest leaning as he said on both sides the stairs to get up for his service being promoted to the master
bold as sure either by carrying the Cause to oblige the people to themselves or by suffering for it to enrage them against the Government that Sir R. Weston made it his business to take off the one and my Lord of Canterbury the other which they did with such success that as my Lord Wentworth became a great Favourite so the Lord Savile was an eminent Counsellor only finding that his young Neighbour had got the start of him he kept to one of his popular Principles always viz. a restless impetuosity towards Papists against whom he made himself famous 1. For a Disputation procured by him in Drury-Lane whither he brought Bishop Vsher under the notion of a Countrey-Parson when the Jesuites cryed There was more Learning in that Parson than in all the men in England 2. For a project offered by him in Parliament For when they taking advantage of King Charls his wants profeâ—ed to maintain five thousand men to serve his Majesty in Ireland and a proportion of Ships to secure him in England on condition of the free exercise of their Religion Sir Iohn interposed That if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay Thirds legally due to the Crown it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of money It being but just that they who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges should first pay their old Penalties When I read of a Lord Savile going privately to Scotland 1639. subscribing to a Petition with oâ—her moderate Lords as they called them containing the very sense of the saction insomuch that it is observed the City-Petition and theirs were couched in the same words yet going to Oxford and after all being so turbulent there that his Majesty was fain to send him beyond Sea where his Majesty writes with his own hand He doubts he will rather exchange his villany than end it I am almost of that wise mans mind that there were no less than 17 particular Designs set on foot by the promotion of the late Troubles whereof though most yet not all were carried on in Westminster or to enforce something more solid that a King should say as the Italian doth If my Subject deceives me once God forgive him If a second time God forgive me and the rather because it 's fatal for Majesty to err twice Observations on the Life of Bishop Williams A Strong constitution made his pâ—rts a strict education improved them unwearied was his industry unexpressible his capacity He never saw the book of worth he read not he never forgot what he read he never loâ—â— the use of what he remembred Every thing he heard or saw was his own and what was his own he knew how to use to the utmost His extraction being Gentile his Soul large and noble his presence and carriage comely and stately his learning copious his judgement stayed his apprehension clear and searching his expression lively and effectual his elocution flowing and majestick his Proctorship when he gave the Lord Chancellor Egerton so much satisfaction in treating the Spanish Ambassador at an Act in Cambridge that thenceforward he resolved on his preferment 1612. discovered him a person above his place and his Lectures to his Pupils above his preferment Bishop Vaughan first admitteth him to his Family and then to his bosom there his strong Sermons his exact government under my Lord his plentiful observation his numerous acquaintance made him my Lord Chancellor Egerton's friend rather than his servant his familiar rather than his Chaplain Never was there a more communicative Master to instruct than my Lord Elsemâ—re never a more capable Scholar to learn than Dr. Williams who had instilled to him all necessary State-maxims while his old Master lived and had bequeathed to him four excellent Books when his Master was dead These four books he presented to K. Iames the very same time that he offered himself to the Duke of Buckingham The excellent Prince observed him as much for the first gift as the noble Duke did for the second the King and Duke made him their own who they saw had made that excellent Book his Willing was King Iames to advance Clergy-men and glad to meet with men capable of Advancemeâ—t His two Sermons at Court made him Dean of Westminster his exact state of the Earl of Somerset's Case made him capable of and the KING'S inclination to â—rust his Conscience in a Divines hand setled him in the Lord Keepers place actually only for three years to please the people who were offended with his years now but 34. and his calling a Divine but designedly for ever to serve his Majesty The Lawyers despised him at first but the Judges admired him at last and one of them said That never any man apprehended a Case so clearly took in all the Law Reason and other Circumstances more punctually recollected the various Debates more faithfully summed it up more compendiously and concluded more judiciously and discreetly For many of them might have read more than he but none digested what they had read more solidly none disposed of their reading more methodically none therefore commanded it more readily He demurred several Orders as that of my Lord Chancellor's pardon the Earl Marshal's Patent c. to let his Majesty see his judgement yet passed them to let him see his obedience He would question the Dukes Order sometimes discreetly to let him know he understood himself yet he would yield handsomly to let him see he understood him and indeed he had the admirable faculty of making every one of his actions carry prudence in the performance Necessary it was for one of his years and place to keep his distance and avoid contempt yet fatal was it to him to do so and incur envy Well understood he the interest of all his places resolutely he maintained them What saith he shall the Liberties of Westminster be infringed when the chief Favourite is Steward and the Lord Keeper Dean and I the contemptible man that must be trampled on When he was in trouble what passion what insinuation what condescention hath he at command when petitioned to how quickly he looked through men and business how exactly would he judge and how resolutely conclude without an immediate intimation from his Majesty or the Duke Many eyes were upon him and as many eyes were kept by him upon others being very watchful on all occasions to accommodate all Emergencies and meet with all humors alwayes keeping men in dependance on the Duke according to this intimation of his Cabal 287. Let him hold it but by your Lordships favour not his own power A good way had he been constant to it the neglect whereof undid him for designing the promotion of Doctor Price to the Arch-Bishoprick of Armagh he moved it to the Duke who told him it was disposed of to Doctor Vsher Whereupon he went his own way to advance that man and overthrew himself For
himself namely not to build his Estate upon the ruines of a miserable Nation but aiming by the unpartial execution of Justice not to enrich himself but civilize the People But the wise King would no longer loose him out of his own Land and therefore recalled him home about the time when his Fathers Inheritance by the death of his five elder brethren descended upon him It was not long before Offices and Honours flowed in fast upon him being made by King Iames 1. Attorney of the Court of Wards 2. Chief-Justice of the Upper Bench the 18 of his Reign Ian. 29. 3. Lord Treasurer of England in the 22 of his Reign Dec. 22. 4. Baron Ley of Ley in Devonshire the last of the same month King Charls 1. Earl of Marlborough in Wiltshire immediately after the King's Coronation 2. Lord President of the Council in which place he diedâ— Anno Dom. 1629. He was a person of great Gravity Ability and Integrity And as the Caspian Sea is observed neither to ebbe nor flow so his mind did not rise or fall but continued the same constancy in all conditions a good temper enough for a Judge but not for a Statesman and foâ— any Statesman but a Lord Treasurer and for any Lord Treasurer but in King CHARLES his active time who was put to it to find out such stirring men as might recover him from the hazard and defection he was fallen into in Purse and Power Observations on the Life of Sir John Cook SIr Iohn Cook younger Brother to Sir Francis Cook born at Trusley in the Hundred of Apple-tree in Derbyâ—shire of ancient and worshipful Parentage and allied to the best Family in that Countrey was bred Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where his wit being designed his Estate he was chosen Rhetorick-Lecturer in the University where he grew eminent for his ingenious and critical reading in that School where Rhetorick seemed to be not so much an Art as his Nature being not only the subject but the very frame of his Discourse Then travelled he beyond the Seas â—or some years when his judgment was fitted for foreign Observations by domestick experience in the company of a Person of quality â— returning thence rich in Languages Remarks and Experience waving all the dangers incident to him for his Religion by a wary Profesâ—ion that he came to learn and not to search being first related to Sir Fulke Grevil Lord Brook who did â—ll mens business but his own â—he was thenceâ— preferred to be Secretary to the Navy their Master of the Requests â—â—od at last Secretary of Stateâ— for twenty years together Being a very zealous Protestant he did all good offices for the advancement of true Religion His Contemporaries character him a grave and a prudent man in gaâ—eâ— apparel and speech one that hâ—d his Intellectâ—â—â—s very perfect in the dispatch of business till he was eighty years old when foreseeing those Intrigues that might be too hard for his years he with his Majesties good leave retired as Moses did â—o â—ie when his eyes were not dim c. having kept himself strictly to the Law of the Land Insomuch that being sent to command Biâ—hop Williams from Westminsterâ— and being asked by the stout Bishop by what authority he commanded a man out of his house and his free-hold he was so tender of the point that he never rested till he had his pardon for it Muâ—iâ—â—â—â—â—o he had to keep the King's favour for his compliance with the Faction witness his third submission and as much ado to retain â—he Factions good opinion for his service to the King wâ—tness his several Apologies in Parliament to this purpose That it was a hard thing that they who should have thanks for the good offices they did the People with the KING had now nothing but censures for the same offices they did the King with his people Never was any man more put to it to reconcilâ— the two readings of that Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which he could never have done but that his old rule safe-guarded him viz. That no man should let what is unjustifiable or dangerous appear under his hand to give Envy a steady aim at his place or person nor mingle Interests with great men made desperate by debts or Court-injuries whose falls hath been ruinous to their wisest followers nor pry any further into secrecy than rather to secure than shew himself nor impart that to a friend that may impower him to be an enemy Besides that his years excused in him that caution some obâ—tinate men want that are broken with vicissâ—udes because they consider not that the forwardest in turmoyls are least regarded when things return to a calm He served the time out of Christian discretion in finding out the seasons of things commendably He complyed out of some infirmity in particular accommodaâ—ions pardonably but neither of ignorance or design iâ— pursuance of his own or any other mans plot unfaithfully Indeed he must have wrenched and sprained his grave soul with the short turningâ— in those dayes if it had been tâ—ue that he should shuffle a Scots Paper instead of the genuine Articles of Pacificatâ—on at York which the Earls of Holland Pembrook c. disavowed to the Northern Commissioners faces my Lord of Pembrook saying That indeed as he took Horse and his Friends being busie about him such a Paper was put into his hand but he opened it not untill he came to his Majesty and his Majesty burned in the face of both Kingdoms whereby they say he was dismissed which I am not willing to believe only I find him hereafter bring Propositions from the Parliament as they called it to the King as actively as formerly he had carried Messages from the King to the Parliament Indeed he had an happy mixture of Disâ—retion and Charity whereby he could allow to things persons more than men of streighter apprehensions or narrower affections were able to do Indeed though as I told you otherwise wary he broke an Affair to a Partizan that kept him under all his days he that entertains a dangerous design puts his head into an halter and the halter into his hand to whom he first imparts it Sir Francis Winâ—ebank and he fell into extreams which balanced might have fupported the Government if they had directed their particular inclinations and indulgences by the measures of the general interest and temper Observations on the Life of the Earl of Danby ALl that I find of this plain Noble-maâ— is wâ—itten on his Tomb-stone at Dantsey in Wilâ—shire Here lyeth the Body of Henry Danvers second son to Sir Iohn Danvers Knight and Dame Eâ—izabeth Daughter and Co-Heir to Nevil Lord Latimâ—â— He was born at Dantsey in the County of Wilts Anno Dom. 1573. being bred up partly in the Low-Countrey Wats under Maurice Eâ—rl of Nassaw afterwards Prince of Orange and in many other Military actions of those â—imes both by Sea and by Land He was made a
consumpio jam pulvere tormentario armatos inermis Vallo munito inter sola causa virtute animatus ita reâ—udit concidit castris exuit ut â—totum belli molem cum ipsis Authoribus profligavit Quicquid fugae illius residuum erat inter urbis unius Moenia eaquâ— arcta obsidione astricta conclâ—so Qua quidem pugna memorabili praeter quod miserum popellum jugo intolerabili levaverat sedes suas expulsis Ecclesias Pastoribus pacem omnibus Firmamentum pacis obsequium pristinum restituerit Et jam sequenti armorum nostrorum fâ—elicitate qua partes Regni occidentales maturius ad officium verum Dominum redierunt viam apperuisse momentum ingens extitisse libentissimè profitemur In hac opera landabili cum praefatus Radulphus perstiterit adhuc in victo animo industria indefessa nullo ardâ—o quantumviâ— labore periculo excusatus cumque mille argumentis testatum fecerit Honorem salutemque nostram sibi omni fortuna capite potiorens nos virum fortissimum optimeque affectum animum benigno studio prosequi amplius demereri volentes hunc praecâ—nio merito ornandum propiori ad nos gradu extollendum censuimus Sciatis igitur nos de gratia nostra speciali ac ex certa scientia mero motu praefatum Radulphum Hopton ad statum gradum stylum Dignitatens Titulum and Honorem Baronis Hopton de Stratton in Comitatu nostro Cornubiae c. In cujus rei Testimonium has Literas Nostras fieri fecimus Patentes Teste meipso apud Oxon. quarto die Sepâ—embris Anno Regni Nostri Decimo nono His two great Actions the one at Liscard the other at Stratton cannot be better described than by an Eye-witness whose words are these as he saith out of a Manuscript corrected with Sir Ralph 's own hand communicated to him by his Secretary Mr. Tredus At Liscard a little before the Fight began the King's party took it into seasonable consideration that seeing by the Commission of the Lord Mohun brought from Oxford four persons viz. the said Lord Mohun Sir Ralph Hopton Sir Iohn Berkley and Colonel Ashburnham were equally impowered in the managing of all Military maâ—ters And seeing such equality might prove inconvenient which hitherto had been prevented with the extraordinary moderation of all parties in ordering a Batâ—el it was fittest to fix the power in one chief and general consent setled it in Sir Ralph Hopton He first gave order that publick Prayers should be read in tâ—e head of every Squadron and it was done accordingly and the Enemy observing it did stile it saying of Mass as some of their Prisoners afterwards did confess Then he caused the Foâ—t to be drawn up in the best order they could and placed a Foâ—lorn of Musquetiers in the little Iâ—closures winging them with the few Hâ—rse and Dragoons he had This done two small Mynion Drakes speedily and secretly fetched from the Lord Mohun's house were planted on a litâ—le Bâ—rrough within random-shot of the Enemy yet so that they were covered out of their sight with small parties of Horse about them These concealed Mynions were twice discharged with such success that the Enemy quickly quitted their groundâ— And all their Army being put into a rout the King's Forces had the exeâ—ution of them which they performed very sparingly taking 1250 prisoners all their Cannon and Ammunition and most of their Câ—lours and Arms and after publick Thanks taking their repose at Liscard Stratton Fight succeeds on Tuesday the 16th of May 1643. The King's Army wants Ammunâ—tion and hath a steep hill to gain with all disadvantage and danger the Horse and Dragoons being not above five hundred and the Foot two thousand four hundred The Parl. Forces were well furnished and barricadoâ—d upon the top of the hill their Foot 3400. and their Horse not many indeed having dispatched 12â—0 to surprize the Sheriff and Commissioners at Bodmin On the King's side order was given to force the passage to the top of the Hill by four several Avenues the ascent was steep and difficult resolutely did his Majesties Forces get up and obstinately did the Enemy keep them down The Fight continued doubtful with many countenances of various events from five in the Morning till three in the Afternoon amongst which most remarkable the smart charge made by M. G. Chudleigh with a stand of Pikes on Sir Bevil Greenvil who fell nobly himself and had lost his squadron had not Sir Iohn now Lord Berkley who â—ed up the Musquetiers on each side of Sir Bevil seasonably relieved it so resolutely reinforcing the Charge that Major-General Chudleigh was taken Prisonerâ— Betwixt three and four of the Clock the Commanders of the King's Forces who embraced those four several ways of ascent met to their mutual joy almost at the top of the hill which the routed enemy confusedly forsook In this service though they were Assailants they lost very few men and no considerable Officer killing of the Enemy about three hundred and taking seventeen hundred prisoners all their Cannon being thirteen pieces of brass Ordnance and Ammunition seventy barrels of powder with a Magazine of Bisket and other provision proportionable For this victory publick Prayer and Thanksgiving was made on the hill then the Army was disposed of to improve their success to the best advantage Nothing had funk this great spirit but the fate of Kingdoms with whose ruine only he was contented to fall and disband his brave Soldiers upon honourable terms Five things made my Lord Hopton so eminently serviceable 1. His great insight into the designs and prudent foresight of the events of present Councels which when most doubted and wavered gave him that resolution that undertook great difficulties and bore up against greater 2. His experience of War in general and his acquaintance with that seat of it committed to him in particular 3. His renown all over the Kingdom for piety and moderation and within his own association for hospitality civility and charity 4. His name among the Enemies as considerable for his generousness and justice as for his valour and conduct 5. His Estate that set him above mercenariness and his care for money that set his Soldiers above need the occâ—sion of mutinying among themselves or of incivilities towards others Observations on the Life of the Earl of Carnarvan RObert Dormer Ar. was on the tenth of Iune 1615. made Baronet by King Iames and on the 30 day of the same month was by him created Baron Dormer of Wing in Buckinghamshire His Grand-child Robert Dormer was by K. Charles in the 4th of his Reign created Viscount Ascot Eaâ—l of Carnarvan He lost his life fighting for him who gave him his honour at the first Battel of Newbury Being sore wounded he was desired by a Lord to know of him what suit he would have to his Majesty in his behalf the said Lord promising to discharge his trust in presenting his request
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
consideration of that vast sum of Money that must be exported if she goeth away And 4. The great Obligation laid on the Pope by that Dispensation which would secure to him the King aud his Posterity not otherwise Legitimate but by his Authority His Estate was much wasted in the service of Henry the seventh and as much improved by the treasures of Henry the eighth which amounted in the beginning of his Reign to 1800000 l. i. e. at the rate of money now adays six millions and an half which he dispensed so thriftily that old Winchester could not trapan him and yet so nobly that young Henry was pleased with him Sir William Compton set up the King's Rich Life-guards under Bourchier Earl of Essex as Captain and the valiant Sir Io. Peachy who kept Calais in so good order with 300 men as Lieutenant but this wary Earl put them down again When News was brought that Empson and Dudley were slain it was the Earls opinion that his Majesty had done more like a good King than a good Master When the narrow Seas whereof the Kings of England have been very tender were infested this old Treasurer and Earl-Marshal cleared it by his two sons Edward and Thomas saying The King of England should not be imprisoned in his Kingdome while either he had an Estate to set up a Ship or a son to command it In three weeks did he settle thâ— North against the Invasions of Iames the fourth now inclining in to the Feench and in a fortnight did he raise 40000 l. to pay the Army now ready to mutiny insomuch that when King Iames denounced War against King Henry he said He had an Earl in the North that would secure his Kingdome as he did with much resolution prudence and success at Flodden-Field where he saw a King at his feet and a whole Kingdome at his mercy where he was forced to fight so barren the Country una salus victis nullam sperare salutem where yet he pitched upon the most advantageous place and time so great his Command of himself and so noble his Conduct He sends Rouge Croix to the Scotch King to tell him That though he saw no Enemy at Sea he hoped to find some upon the Land That he came to justifie Bretons death which it was as much below a King to revenge as it was below a Privy Counsellour to have deserved That he expected as little mercy as he intended his sword being commissioned to spare none but the King whom no hand must touch To this Defiance he added a Caution to the Herauld That he should bring no messenger from the Enemy nearer than two miles of the Camp So well were the Scots encamped that when neither Arguments nor Stratagems would draw them out the Earl cuts off their provision there and under the covert of a smoak got the Earl under the hill and under another of mist got they atop The Scots played the men until Stanley and Darcy did more than men and the old mans Reserve concluded the doubtful day in so câ—mpleat a Conquest as brought 12000 Arms 16 Cannons 4000 Prisoners and a Peace to the English Borders Upon which the General retires to those more necessary exerciseâ— of Justice and Government until his Masters return When all his Services advanced him at that time when it was â— Maxime of State That Honours are the Lustre and Security of Crowns to his Fathâ—rs Dukedom of Norfolk as his Sons Merits promoted him to his of the Earldom of Surrey The Kings Coffers decay and his Occasions grow The old man retires to his Country-house having enjoyed his Honour Thirty years to enjoy Himself Three One of his last Undertakings being the appeasing of the London Tumults May 1. 1517. when he left this behind him A potent and wanton City is a shrewd Enemy Observations on the Life of Sir William Compton HE was chief Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Henry the Eighth and next to the chief in the affections of the same Prince If his spirit had been as even with his favour as his favour was with his Merits he had been the most useful as well as the most eminent man in England but he was too narrow for his Fortune and more attentive to his private advantage than to the publick affairs This Saying is at once his History and Monument Kings must hear all but believe only one for none can give a solid advice but he that knoweth all and he must not be every body As to the affairs of Europe â— Sâ— William was clearly for the League against France as an opportunity to regain our Right in France and strenghthen our Interest in the Church thâ— Empire My Lord Darcy was against it becauâ—â— France was too hard for us before it swallowed uâ— our Confederates and much more since advising some moâ—e noble attempts for our just Empirâ— upon the Indies The young King is for a Waâ— with France aâ— an Engagement upon the Pope tâ— advance England above all other Kingdoms anâ— declares himself as much Sir William's in opinioâ— as he was his in affection This Gentleman had a deep insight in any thinâ— he undertook because he had a great patience tâ— consider an advantageous slowness to recollect â— strong memory to grasp and an indifferent tempeâ— to judge but when a matter exceeded his capaciâ—ty or out-reached his sphere and orb he had eiâ—ther a peremptory and great word to urge it or â— sleight to wave it or a subtlety to perplex it thaâ— his amazed fellow-Commissioners should as littlâ— undeâ—stand it or a countenance and geâ—ture too verbear it However in general he was close anâ— reserved he had need go softly that cannot weâ— see leaving himself without observation or holâ— to be taken what he was He studied the King nature rather than his buâ—iness and humoureâ— rather than advised him The referring of all tâ— a man becomes a Prince whose self is not himâ—self but the community their good and evil beâ—ing as my Lord Bacon writes at the peril of â— publick fortune but not a subject whose privatâ— advantage may be a publick ruine not a Favouâ—rite whose benefit by that selfishness may be narrow as his own Fortune but the hurt done by it is as large as his Masters who must needs be undone when his servants study to please Him and to profit Themselves Observations on the Life of Sir Henry Marney SIr Henry Marney was one of young Henry's first Council who loved his Peson well and his Prospericy better and impartially advised him for his good and modestly contested with him against his harm that Council that was hand as well as head and could perform as well as advise This was the searching Judgement that discovered Buonviso the Lucchess his Letters to the French King betraying our designs as soon as thought on and instructing him for prevention before our King was ready for the attempt Industry and Thrift over-rules Princes This Personage
in the Inner Temple in the study of the Laws untill his ability and integrity advanced him Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench in the Thirtieth of Henry the Eighth He gave for his Motto AEquitas Iustitia Norma And although Equity seemeth rather to resent of the Chancery than the Kings Bench yet the best Justice will be Wormwood without a mixture thereof In his times though the golden showers of Abbey-Lands rained amongst great men it was long before he would open his lap scrupling the acception of such Gifts and at last received but little in proportion to Others of that Age. In the thirty seventh of King Henry the Eighth he was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas a descent in Honour but ascent in Profit it being given to old Age rather to be thrifty than ambitious Whereupon he said I am now an old man and love the Kitchin before the Hall the warmest place best suiting with my Age. In drawing up the Will of King Edward the Sixth and setling the Crown on the Lady Iane for a time he swam against the tide and torrent of Duke Dudley till at last he was carried away with the stream Outed of his Judges Office in the first of Queen Mary he returned into Northampton-shire and what contentment he could not finde in Westminster-hall his Hospital-hall at Bougâ—ton afforded him He died Anno 1556. and lieth buâ—ied in the Parish Church of Weekly His well-managed Argument in Dodderige his Case brought him to Cromwel's knowledge who was vexed with his reason but well pleased with his Parts Crowmel's recommendaâ—ion and his own modest nature set him up with Henry the Eighth who could not endure two things 1. A Lawyer that would not be guided 2. A Divine that would not be taught Yet as modest as he was he was honest and though he would submit to the Kings Power yet would he act by his Law For his Apophthegm was Mèum est Ius dicere potius quam Ius dare Iâ—'s my duty to interpret rather than give Law He never denied or delayed Jâ—stice alwayes discouraging those cunning Lâ—ws that perplexed a Cause those contentious Clients that delayed a suit and those nice Cummin-seed men that strained iâ—ferences and wâ—ested câ—nstructions Patient stayed and equal he was in hearing grave in speaking pertinent in interrogating wary in observing happy in remembring seasonable and civil in interposing The Council durst not chop with him neither would he chop with the Council unless he defended his cause over-boldly urged indiscreetly informed slightly neglected grosly renewed the debate unseasonably or ensnared his Adversaries cunningly in those and other the like cases he would do the Publick Right by a check and the person by an admonition Six sorts of persons he discountenanced in his Courts 1. The scandalous Exactors 2. The slie shifters that as that Chancellour observed pervert the plain and direct courses of Courts and bring Justice into oblique lines and labyrinths 3. Those that engaged Courts in quarrels of Jurisdiction 4. Those that made suits 5. Those that hunted men upon Poenal Statutes 6. Those that appeared in most Testimonies and Juries His Darling was The hâ—nâ—st Clerk who was experienced in his place obliging in his carriage knowing in Presidents cautious in Proceedings and skilful in the affairs of the Court. Two things he promoted in King Henry's days 1. The Law against Gaming And 2. The Order against Stews And two in King Edward's 1. That Act against sâ—reading of Prophecies 2. That Statute against embasing of Coyn. But King Edward's Testament and the Duke of Northumberland's Will is to be made The pious Intentions of that King wishing well to the Reformation the Religion of Qâ—een Mary obnoxious to exception the ambition of Northumberland who would do what he listed the weakness of Suffolk who would be done with as the other pleased the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply designed the Crown for the Lady Iane Grey Mr. Cecil is sent for to London to furnish that Will with Reason of State and Sir Edward to Serjeants Inn to make it up with Law He according to the letter sent him went with Sir Io. Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitor-General to Greenwâ—ch where His Majestie before the Marquess of Northampton declaring himself for the settlement of Religion and against the succession of Qâ—een Mary offered them a Bill of Articks to make a Book of which they notwithstanding the Kings Charge and the reâ—teration of it by Sir William Peter declared upon mature consideration they could not do without involving themselves and the Lords of the Council in High Treason because of the Statutes of Succession The Duke of Northumberland hearing of their Declaration by the Lord Admiral comes to the Council-Chamber all in a rage trembling for anger calling Sir Edward Traytor and saying He would fight in his shirt with any man in that Quarrel The old man is charged by the King upon his Allegiance and the Council upon his Life to make the Book which he did when they promised it should be ratified in Parliament Here was his obedience not his invention not to devise but draw things up according to the Articles tendred unto him Since shame is that which ambitious Nature abhorreth and danger is that which timorous Nature declineth the honest man must be resolute Sir Nathaniel Brent would say A Coward cannot be an honest man and it seems by this Action that modesty and fear are great temptations Give me those four great Vertues that makes a man 1. A clear Innocence 2. A comprensive Knowledge 3. A well-weighed experience And 4. The product of all these A steady Resolution What a Skein of Ruffled Silk saith the ingenious Resolver is the incomposed man Observations on the Life of Sir Edward Fines EDward Fines Lord Clinton Knight of the Garter was Lord Admiral of England for more than thirty years He was wise valiant and very fortunate as appears by his Master-piece in Museleborough field in the reign of King Edward the sixth and the Battle against the Scots He was afterwards created Earl of Lincoln where he was born May 4. 1474. and where he had a proportionable Estate to support his Dignity which he much increased beside his Paternal Inheritance He died Ianuary 16. 1558. and lieth buried at Windsor in a private Chappel under a stately Mâ—nument which Elizabeth his third Wife Daughter to the Earl of Kildare erected in his remembrance His Fortune made him a younger Bâ—other and his Industry an Heir coming to Court where they that have Estates spend them and they that have none gain them His recreation was at Court but his business in the Country where notwithstanding the Statute in â—enry the sevenths time against Pasturage for Tillage he Grazed 11000 Acres of Ground then a noble and gaining Employment that advanced many a Family in one Generation and now a saving one that hath kept up as many ten The best tempered Swords will bend
Artificial and careless freedome that opened others 2. A natural gravity that shut him up and was more capable of observing their Vertues and escaping their Vices Peter Earl of Savoy came to do his homage to Otho the fourth in a double attire on the one side Cloth of Gold on the other shining Armour the Emperour asked him what meant that Lindsey-Woolsey he answered Sir the attire on the right side is to honoâ—r your Majesty that on the left is to serve you Sir William Peter returns with those Gayeties of carriages on the one hand that might adorn a Court and with those abilities on the other that might support it His first employment was the Charts the Lattin Letters and the Forreign Nâ—gotiation the next was Principal Secretary In which Office Wriothesly was rough and stubborn Paget easie Cecil close Mason plain Smith noble Peter was smooth reserved resolved and yet obliging Both the Laws he was Doctor of and both the Laws he made use of the Civil Law to direct Forreign Negotiations and the other to give light to Domestick Occasions In the Kings absence in France 1554. Craumer and Thorleby are to assist the Queen in matters of Religion the Earl of Hertford in Affairs of War the Lord Parr of Horton and Doctor Peter in the Civil Government whose Maxime it was It is the interest of the Kings of England to be the Arbiters of Christendome Thus much he was to the Queen by Henry the eighth's Deputation and no less to King Edward by his Will A man would wonder how this man made a shift to serve four Princes of such distant Interests as King Henry King Edward Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth untill he recollects the French King who enquired of a wise man how he might govern himself 〈◊〉 his Kingdome the wise man took a fair large sheet of Paper and instead of an infinite number of Precepts which others use to offer upon that subject he onely writ this word Modus A Mean In King Henry's time he observed his Humour in King Edward's he kept to the Law in Queen Mary's he intended wholly Sâ—ate-affairs and in Queen Elizabeth's he was religious his years minding him of death and his death of his faith He moved with the first Movers in most transactions to his apparent danger yet he had motions of his own for his real security Able he was at home and very dexterous abroad particularly at Bulloin The Philosophers exercising their Gifts before an Ambassador he asked one that was silent what he should say of him Report to your King saith he that you found one among the Graecians that know how to hold his tongue Ah said Mounsieur Chatillon we had gained the last 200000 Crowns without Hostages had it not been for the man that said nothing meaning Secretary Peter Neither was he better at keeping his own counsel than at discovering other mensâ— as appeared by the intelligence he had that the Emperour had â—ent ships to transport the Lady Mary into Germany in case the King would not allow her the practice of her Religion though three men knew not that Designe in the German Court whereupon he fetched her two Leez and thence under the notion of preparing for Sea-matters he sent over five thousand pounds to relieve the Protestants Active he was about the Will in compliance with his duty to King Edward but as nimble in his intelligence suitable to his Allegiance to Queen Mary whom he assisted in two Particulars 〈◊〉 In making the Maâ—ch 2. In searching the bottom of Wiat's Insurrection therefore 1. When the Church-lands went against her conscience Sir William Peter must be sent for 2. When the Pope sent another Legate to turn out Pool he must be sent for who advised her to forbid him this Land as she very resolutely did As serviceable was he to Queen Elizabeth till his Age not being able to go through the difficulties and his Conscience being impatient of the severities of those â—â—â—ie and harsh times he retired to Essex where his Estate was great and his Charity greater both which he bequeathed his Son Iohn who was by King Iames made Baron of Writtle in that County Observations on the Life of Cardinal Pool HIs Extraction was so high that it awakened King Henry the Eighth's Jealousies and his Spirit so low that it allayed it When he reflected on his Royal Relation he was enjealousied to hard thoughts of restraint and security when he observed his modest Hopefulness he was obliged to those more mild of Education and Care as more honourable than the other and as safe Religion and Study would enfeeble that spirit to quiet contemplation which more manlike exercises might ennoble for Business and Action It was but mewing him up in a study with hopes of a Mitre and there would be no danger of his ambition to the Crown The Privacies of the School and Colledge made him a stranger to the transactions of Court and he was two follow his Book that he might not understand himself His preferments were competent to content him and yet but mean to expose him Three things concurred to his escape from King Henry's Toyl 1. His Relation's ambition that could not endure he should be wrapped in Black that was born to be clothed in Purple 2. His own Inclination to adde Experience to his Learning 3. The Kings Policy to maintain him abroad who could not safely keep at home No sooner arriveth he at Paris than the Pope caresseth him as a person â—it to promote his Interest The House of York supports him as one that kept up their Claim and the general Discontent crieth him up as one that was now the hope of England and might be its Relief That he might not come short of their Expectation or his own Right his large capacity takes in the Learning of most Univeâ—sities observeth the way of most Nations and keeps correspendence with all eminent men The first of these improved his Learning the second his Experience the third his Converse The Marquess of Exeter the Lord Mountacute Sir Nicholas Carew Sir Edward Nevil Sir Geoffery Poole would have made him a King but to gain him a Crown they loft their own Heads and Pope Iulius made him a Kings Fellow but he was never Head of this Church since he put the Red Hat on this Cardinal The King had him declared for a Traytor in England and he him excommunicated for an Heretiâ—k at Rome His Friends are cut off by the King at home and the Kings Enemies cheâ—ished by â—im abroaâ— But Princes are mortal though their hatred not so For before the Kings deatâ— he would needs be reconciled to Pool and as some thought by him to Rome wherefore he sends to him now in great esteem in Italy desiring his opinion of his late Actions clearly and in few words Glad was Pool of this occasion to dispaâ—ch to him his Book de Vnione Ecâ—lesiarum inveighing against his Supremacy and concluding with an advice
not my pardon but my favour too He is the man for a Princes service whose minde is present and prudence is ready to meet with suddain occasions and accommodate unexpected emergencies The first effect of that favour was his Nomination for one of the sixteen that answered the French challenge at the Lady Mary's Marriage at Paâ—â—s November 7 1513. which shewed his manhood and how valiant he was The second was that he was one of the Forty five that were to be about his Majesty at the instant of his Interview with the King of France at Guisnes â— which was an Argument of his presenceâ— and how goodly a man he was The third was that he was one of the Twenty two that with the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral and Sir William Fitz-Williams Vice-Admiral proposed that secret and therefore successful Dâ—signe upon Britain under pretence of Scowring the Narrow Seas for now he is as good in the Sea as he had been in the Field for which he and eight more of his fellow-Captains Sir Ioh. Cornwallis c. are Knighted by the aforesaid Lord Admiral which speaks him a Sea-man and indeed one of a general capacity The fourth was the great Trust his Majesty reposed in him when he was sent in disguise to widen the difference that was newly broken out between the Duke of Bourbon the high Constable of France and the French King which he managed so well that the discontented Duke declares for the Emperour and the King of England to the great encouragement of the English the satisfaction of his Majesty and the success of his Designe upon Anchor Boungard Bray and oâ—her places where Sir Iohn shewed himself as active now as he was before cunning as much surpassing the French Spirit in action as he had over-reached their Prudence in Negotiation But in vain was it to serve that King unless a man obliged the Cardinal he that Courts the Virgin Mary must not neglect her little Saints him he attended in his second Journey to France first to honour and then to serve him And now after his decease when King Henry had done the work of mercy which was most proper for himself as being most popular upon the Lincolnshire Rebels he deputed the Duke of Suffolk Sir Francis Brians and Sir Iohn Russel to perform that of Justice which is most distastful wherein yet he behaves himself with that exactness that the Country was very well pleased and the King as well satisfied insomuch that we finde our Knight now called from a Commander in in the Field to be Controller at Court where he managed his Masters Expences thriftily reduced his Family discreetly reformed his followers effectually and filled up his place with the awe of his presence and the influence of his Authority that he was at once its support and its glory Indeed Courts being those Epitoms wherâ—through strangers look into Kingdomes should be Royally set of as with Utensils so with attendanceâ— that might possess all Comers with reverence there and fear elsewhere Hir Person graced his Imployment and therefore his Majesty honoured his Person with the Order of the Garter and the Title of Lord Râ—ssel and that his Preferment might keep pace with his Honour he is made Lord Privy Seal and his Nephew Sir Iohn Cage Controller His Honour flacked not his Activity but improved it neither was his Vertue onely violent in Ambition and dull in Authority Power to do good is the true and lawful end of aspiring therefore my Lord to his Staff added his Sword and to his Court-honour his Field service as Lieutenant-General before Muttrel and Marshal before Bulloign to the relief of the first whereof he drew Mounsieur Bies that his Majesty might take the second In the Camp he drew up the Designes in the Field he managed the Treasure and in Action to him was intrâ—sted the Conduct and manage In the Kings last Will and Testament he was the fifth person and in his Sons Council the fifth to whom he discovered a French Plot the first year of his Raign and for whom he broke the Devonshire Rebels what with delays what with stratagems to divide them according to their several Inclinations the second for which service he was made Earl of Bedford The third in the Faction at home between the Seymours and the Dudleys he was Neuter in the Treaties abroad between the French King and his Majesty of England he was Principal where he observed three Rules 1. That there should be a general Muster at home while this Treaty went on abroad 2. That there should be a blow given the Scots before there was a Peace made with the French 3. That we should first know the French Overtures before we made our own But while he was here he discovered a Plot that the Emperour had to transport the Lady Mary over to his Dominions and thereby bring her Brother to his terms whereupon he with 200 men watcheth one Port the Duke of Somerset with 200 more a second and Master St. Leiger with 400 men a third while the Lady was fetched by my Lord Chancellor to the King But while he was serving his Master the King abroad his Friend the Protector wanted his advice and assistance at home he being of purpose sent out of the way while that unfortunate Duke is first betrayed by his own folly and then ruined by his Enemies power I finde his hand among the rest of the Councellors in a Letter to Queen Mary but not in Arms against herâ— He was concluded by the major Vote to a Commission for Peace but not to Action for conscience sake Faithful he is therefore to her in Council and serviceable in Spain and France from the first of which places he brought her a Husband and from the second a Treasure He understood her Right and disputed not her Religion regarding not so much her Opinion as his own Duty not what she was but what he should be And thus he behaved himself until his dear Mistress Elizabeth took him for one of her Protestant Councellours to balance her Popish ones and not onely of her Council but of her Cabinet for as every man must have his Friend to ease his heart so Princes have their Favourites to partake of their cares and the Marquess of Northampton the Earl of Bedford and Sir William Cecil were the onely Persons to whom the Queen communicated her designe of Reformation and correcting the Common-prayer and they ordered affairs so that the Protestants should be in hope and yet the Papists should not be out of hope King Philip had a quarrel with the Queen for rejecting his suit the King of Sweden for slighting his Son the King of France in his Wives Right the Queen of Scots in her Own and the Pope for excluding his Supremacie her Subiects were as unsettled in their Loyalty as in their Religion What remained but that my Lord of Bedford and Sir William Cecil should make up a well-tempered House of
the other side even in the midst of so many diversions had continually a very pleasant and vacant face as I may well call it proceeding no doubt from a singular assurance in his temper And yet I must here given him a rarer Elogie which the malignest eye cannot deny him That certainly never man in his place and power did entertain greatness more familiarly nor whose looks were less tainted with his felicity wherein I insist the rather because this in my judgement was one of his greatest Vertues and Victories of himself But to proceed in the attiring and ornament of their bodies the Duke had a fine and unaffected politeness and upon occasion costly as in his Legations The Earl as he grew more and more attentive to business and matter so less and less curious of cloathing insomuch as I do remember those about him had a conceit that possibly sometimes when he went up to the Queen he might scant know what he had on for this was his manner His Chamber being commonly stived with Friends or Suiâ—ers of one kinde or other when he gave his legs arms and breast to his ordinary servants to button and dress him with little heed his head and face to his Barbour his eyes to his letters anâ— ears to Petitioners and many times all at once then the Gentleman of his Robes throâ—ing a cloak over his shoulders he would make a step into his Closet and after a short prayer he was gone only in his Baths he was somewhat delicate For point of diet and luxury they were both inordinate in their appetites especially the Earl who was by nature of so different a taste that I must tell a rare thing of him though it be but a homely note that he would stop in the midst of any physical Potion and after he had licked his lips he would drink off the rest but I am weary of such slight Animad versions To come therefore to the inward furniture of their minds I will thus much declare The Earl was of good Erudition having been placed at study in Cambridge very young by the Lord Burleigh his Guardian with affectionate and deliberate care under the oversight of Doctor Whitgift then master of Trinity Colledge and after Archbishop of Canterbury A man by the way surely of a most reverend and sacred memory and as I may well say even of the Primitive temper when the Church in lowliness of temper did flourish in high examples which I have inserted as a due recordation of his vertues having been much obliged to him for many favours in my younger time About sixteen years of his age for thither he came at twelve he took the formality of master of Arts and kept his publick Acts. And here I must not smother what I have received by constant Information that his own Father dyed with a very cold conceit of him some say through the affection to his second son Walter Devereux who was indeed a diamond of the time and both of an hardy and delicate temper and mixture But it seemes this Earl like certain vegetables did â—â—d and open slowly Nature sometimes delighting to play an after-game as well as Fortune which had both their turnes and tides in course The Duke was Illiterate yet had learned at Court first to â—iâ—t and question well and to supply his own defects by the drawing or flowing unto him of the best Instruments of experience and knowledge from whom he had a sweet and attractive manner to suck what might be for the publick or his own proper use so as the less he was favoured by the Muses he was the more by the Graces To consider them in their pure Naturals I conceive the Earls Intellectuall faculties to have been his stronger part and in the Duke his Practical Yet all know that he likewise at the first was much under the expectation of his afterâ— proof such a sudden influence therein had the Soveraign aspect For their Abilities of discourse or pen the Earl was a very acute and sound speaker when he would intend it and for his Writings they are beyond example especially in his familiar Letters and things of delight at Court when he would admit his serious habits as may be yet seen in his Impresses and inventions of entertainment and above all in his darling piece of love and self-love his Stile was an elegant perspicuity rich of phrase but seldome any bold Metaphors and so far from Tumor that it rather wanted a little Elevation The Dukes delivery of his mind I conceive not to be so sharpe as solid and grave not so solid and deep as pertinent and apposite to the times and occasions The Earl I account the more liberal and the Duke the more magnificent for I do not remember that my Lord of Essex in all his life-time did build or adoâ—ne any house the Queen perchance spending his time and himself his meanes or otherwise inclining to popular ways for we know the people are apter to applaud hous-keepers than hous-raisers They were both great cherishers of Scholars and Divines but it seems the Earl had obtained of himself one singular point that he could depart his affection between two extreams for though he bare always a kind of filial reverence towards Dr. Whit gift both before and after he was Archbishop yet on the other side he did not a little love and tender Master Cartwright though I think truly with laâ—ge distinction between the persons and the Causes howsoever he was taxed with other ends in respecting that party They were both fair-spoken Gentlemen not prone and eager to detract openly from any man in this the Earl hath been most falsly blemished in our vulgar Story only against one man he had forsworn all patience namely Henry Lord Cobham and would call him per Excellentiam the Sycophant as if it had been an emblem of his name even to the Queen herself though of no small insinuation with her and one Lady likewise that I may civilly spare to nominate for her sex sake whom he used to terme the Spyder of the Court yet generally in the sensitive part of their Natures the Earl was the worse Philosopher being a great Resenter and a weak Dissembler of the least disgrace And herein likewise as in the rest no Good Pupill to my Lord of Leicester who was wont to put all his passions in his pocket In the growth of their Foâ—tunes the Duke was a little the swifter and much the greater for from a younger brothers mean estate he rose to the highest degree whereof a Subject was capable either in Title or Trust. Therein I must confess much more consortable to Charles Brandon under Henry the Eight who was equal to him in both For matter of Donative and addition of substance I do not believe that the Duke did much exceed him all considered under both Kings For that which the Earl of Essex had received from her Majesty besides the Fees of his Offices
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
prospect of his Life past having noted therein most Remarkables His most learned and laborious Works on the Laws will last to be admired by the Judicious Posterity whilest Fame hath a Trumpet left her and any breath to blow therein His judgement lately passed for an Oracle in Law and since the credit thereof hath causelesly been questioned the wonder is not great If the Prophet himself living in an incredulous Age found cause to complain Who hath believed our report it need not seem strange that our licentious Times have afforded some to shake the Authenticalness of the Reports of any earthly Judge He constantly had Prayers said in his own house and charitably relieved the Poor with his constant Almes The Foundation of Sutton's Hospital when indeed but a Foundation had been ruined before it was raised and crush'd by some Courtiers in the hatching thereof had not his great care preserved the same The Free-School at Theâ—ford was supported in its being by his assistance and he founded a School on his cost at Godrick in Norfolk It must not be forgotten that Doctor Whitgift afterward Arch-Bishop of Canterbury sent unto his Pupil when the Queen's Attorney a fair new Testament with this Message He had long enough studied Common Law now let him study the Law of God When he was under a cloud at Court and outed of his Judges place the lands belonging to the Church of Norwich which formerly he had so industriously recovered and setled thereon were again called into question being begged by a Peer Sir Edward desired him to desist telling him that otherwise he would put on his Gown and Cap and come into Westminster-Hall once again and plead there in any Court in justification of what he had done He died at Stoke-Poges in Buckingham-shire on Wednesday the third of September being the 83 of age whose last words were these Thy Kingdom câ—me thy Will be done The infirmities of this Judge as my Lord BACON recited them in a Letter to him were these 1. That he delighted to speak more than hear 2. That he would run out of his Profession and as he observed of Divines so it was observed of him none erred worse out of his element 3. That he conversed with Books rather than Men and onely with such men that he spake to as Scholars rather than treated as friends 4. That he obtruded those things as Novelties that were stale 5. That he would jest on men in place and insult on men in misery 6. That he made the Law lean too much to his opinion 7. That his Tenants in Norfolk were hardly used and that though he had ten thousand pounds per an he relieved not the poor 8. That in his last proceedings against Somerset he was too open and dilatory giving too much advantage and breaking out to some unadvised expressions 9. That he stood out against Power for which and other failures he was dismissed the Council-board with this expression from King Iames That he was the fittest instrument to serve a Tyrant Indeed he had some projects for the Revenue and looked for the Treasury when he was absolutely cast off though he made such shift that throw him where you would as King Iames said he fell upon his legs Observations on the Life of Sir Ralph Winwood SIr Ralph Winwood was a Gentleman well seen in most Affairs but most expert in matters of Trade and War for he was first a Soldier and then an Agent in the Netherlands where he remonstrated against Vorstius learnedly and resolutely representing as well his Masters parts as his power It was the very guize of that time to be learned the wits of it were so excellent the helps and assistants of it were so great Printing was so common the world by Navigation so open great experiments so disclosed the leisure of men so much the age was so peaceable and his Majesty after whom all writ so knowing When the Earl of Somerset was made Chamberlain by his Majesty in his Fathers place Sir Ralph Winwood was by the Queen made Secretary in his succeeding him in his Office but exceeding him in his success Fortune may begin any mans greatness but Vertue must continue it for this Favourite taking upon him to over-rule Winwood Winwood makes it his business to overthrow him to which purpose his Agents discover some secrets abroad you may understand more of England at Amsterdam than at London and he useth his Arts at home for Mr. Vilâ—iexs being now brought to Court when others were for raising him by interest Sir Ralph was for advancing him with Compliance a Compliance as he said that must either supple or break his Adversaries and either way ruine them Accordingly Sir George is directed to offer his service to the Earl of Somerset that Earl fatally tells him He would have none of his service but would break his Design These words coming so cross to the Kings inclination and the Court's plot provoked all persons to look further into Sir Ralph Winwood's Intelligence concerning Sir Tho. Overbury's death Now mens weaknesses and faults are best known by their enemies their vertues and abilities from their friends their customes and times from their servants their conceits and opinions from their familiars to whom they are least masked To all these he applyeth himself until he had discovered as much of the practices concerning Overbury as might humble the Earl and as much corruption in the conveyance of publick money to the building of Audley-End as might displace his Father An Apothecaries boy gives the first and a servant that carried the money the second both whom he surprized with the Spanish proverb Di mentura y sacaras verdad Tell a lye and find a truth Indeed the natures and dispositions the conditions and necessities the factions and combinations the animosities and discontents the ends and designs of most people were clear and transparent to this watchful man's intelligence and observation who could do more with King Iames by working on his fear than others by gratifying his pleasure When I observe how close and silent he was at the Council-Table it puts me in mind of the man that gave this reason why he was silent in a Treaty and Conference Because said he the Enemy might know that as there are many here that can speak so here is one that can hold his peace Observations on the Life of Sir Francis Bacon SIr Francis was born where we are made men bred where we are made States-men being equally happy in the quickness of the City and politeness of the Court He had a large mind from his Father and great abilities from his Mother his parts improved more than his years his great fixed and methodical memory his solid judgement his quick fancy his ready expression gave high assurance of that profound and universal knowledge and comprehension of things which then rendered him the observation of great and wise men and afterwards the wonder of all The great Queen
exquisitely written in Arabick and sought in â—he mâ—â—â— remote parts by the diligence of Erpeâ—â—â—â— the â—ost excellent Linguist These had been left to the Widow of the said Erpenius and were upon sail to the Jesuites of Antwerp liquorish Chapmen of such Ware Whereof the Duke getting knowledge by his worthy and learned Secretary Doctor Mason inâ—erverted the bargain and gave the poor Widow for them fivâ— hundred pounds a sum above their weight in silver and a mixed act both of bounty and charity the more laudable being much out of his natural Element These were they which after his death were as nobly preâ—ented as they had been bought to Cambridge by his Dutchess as soon as she understood by the foresaid Doctor her Lords intention to furnish the said University with other choice Collections from all parts at his own charge The Duke's Answers to his Appeachments in number thirteen I find very diligently and civilly couched and though his heart was big yet they all savour of an humble spirit one way and an equitable consideration another which could not but possess every vulgar conceit and somewhat allay the whole matter that in the bolting and sifting of near fourteen years of such power and favour all that came out could not be expected to be pure and white and fine Meal but must needs have withal among it a certain mixture of Padar and Bran in this lower age of humane fragility Howsoever this tempest did only shake and not rent his Sails His defence against danger was noble but his contempt of it nobler for when Sir George Goring advised him only to turn out of the ordinary road He resolved not to wave his way upon this reason perhaps more generous than provident That if as he said he should but once by such a diversion make his enemy believe he were afraid of danger he should never live without And when his young Nephew the Lord Viscount Fielding offered him another time to put on his Coat and â—lew Ribbon while they passed through a Town where they apprehended some design against the Duke He would not as he said accept of such an offer in that case from a Nephew whose life he tendered as much as himself But after some short â—â—rection to his company he rode on without â—erturbation of mind though a drunken fellow â—â—id hold of his Bridle under pretence of begging 〈◊〉 begin a tumult Neither for ought I can hear was there any further enquiry into that practice the Duke peradventure thinking it wisdom not to reserve discontentments too deep But in the middest of these little dangers his Grace was not unmindful of his civil course to cast an eye upon the ways to win unto him such as have been of principal credit in the lower house of Parliâ—ment applying lenitives or subducting from that part where he knew the Humours were sharpest amidst which thoughts he was surprized by a fatal stroke written in the black book of Necessity Whereof he was forewarned as well by his own as others apprehensions as appears by his last Addresses to the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury the Earl of Holland and his sacred Majesty And certain it is that some good while before Sir Clement Throckmorton a Gentleman then living of grave judgement had in a private conference advised him to wear a privy Coat whose counsel the Duke received very kindly but gave him this answer That against any popular fury a shirt of male would be but a silly defence and as for any single mans assault he took himself to be in no danger So dark is Destiny Since he is dead he is charged 1. For advancing his Relations which yet was humanity in him and not a fault 2. For enriching himself though as it is said of that French Peer he was rich only in Obligations his Estate being at the mercy of Suitors To his familiar Servants so open-handed he was though many of them so ungrateful as to deny relation unto him either about his person in ordinary attendance or about his affairs of State as his Secretaries or of Office as his Steward or of Law as that worthy Knight whom he long used to solicite his Causes He left all both in good Fortune and which is more in good Fame Things very seldom consociated in the instruments of great Personages 3. He had many Offices but committed himself a most willing Pupil to the directions of such as were generally thought fit to manage affairs of that nature condescending to the meanest Arts to adapt himself to his employments 4. He was not bookish it 's true his Affairs forbad him study yet had he a natural readiness to discourse of all subjects which wanted nothing towards applause but the candor and benevolence of his hearers whose dis-ingenuity oft-times turned his most honest discourses to accusations witness that â—bullition of his joy to his Majesty in behalf of his People which Sir Iohn Eliot made Treason against them 5. He was great indeed but gentle and affable insomuch that though his memory were a place so taken up with high thoughts and unlikely to have any room for matters of so small importance he was ever known to entertain his younger acquaintance with much familiarity and all men with that civility wherein was observed his peculiarity happy bravery of deriving favours and conferring them with so many noble Circumstances as the manner was as obliging as the matter and mens understandings oft-times as much puzled as their gratitude 6. He would intercede it 's confessed for poor Malefactors more out of his innate compassion than any design to obstruct the course of Justice believing doubtless saith my Author that hanging was the worst use a man could be put to In fine a Gentleman he was of that choice and curious make for exteriour shape as if Nature had not in his whole frame drawn one line amiss nor was his Fabrick raised by soft and limber studs but sturdy and virile His intellectuals gained him rather the opinion of a wise man thâ—n of a wit His skill in Letters very mean for finding Nature more indulgent to him in the ornâ—ments of the body than of the mind the tendency of his youthful Genius was rather to improve those excellencies wherein his choice felicity consisted than to addict himself to morose and sullen Bookishness therefore his chief exercises were dancing fencing vaulting and the like as indications of strenuous Agility yet could he have foreseen where all the Climacteries and motions of his Advance should have terminated that from no more than a meer Gentleman it should be his luck to vault into the dignity of a Duke and trust of a Privy-Counsellor we may presume his early studies would not have cast so much neglect upon a thing so imporâ—ant to him as a Statesman though not very fashionable as a Courtier The temperature of his mind was as to moral habits rather disposed to good than bad his deportment was most affable and
Knight and bred in Iesus-Colledâ—e in Cambridge He intended his Studies for Divinity till disswaded by the importunity of his friends amongst whom George Earl of Cumberland was most eminent he became Barrister of Grayes-Inne But in expression of his former Affection to Divinity he seldom if ever took fee of a Clergy-man Afterwards being Recorder of York he was Knighted and made Judge of the Common-Pleas In the case of Ship-money though he was against the King or rather for the Commons yet his Majesty manifested not the least distaste continuing to call him the honest judge This person so pious to God and chaâ—itable to â—he Poor was dissolved about the beginning of our National misery Thus God before he ploweth up a Land with the furrows of aâ— Civil War first cutteth down his old crop and gathereth them like ripe sheaves into his Barn He died at Sergâ—ants Inne and was buried at his earnest desire with â—he Common-Prayer without any Funeral-Sermon save what his own Vertues preached to posterity at St. Dunstan's in the West on the 27 day oâ— February Anno Dom. 1638. Here I learn how circumspect our counsels must be in reference to things and persons above us whiâ—h implying an overpoâ—zing of our own judgement and a debating of others in all cases is obnoxious to jealousie but in these to danger under which there are no Qualifications to patience and moderation The vertues of this happy Judge if he had cast obstinacy over-board and let his wisdom â—ack about in things capable of expedience whereby hâ— knew well both how to allay the asperities of a bad fortune and check the excesses of a good one packing up his fears and hopes in so narrow a compass as made the last less tedious and the first more portable to which he added an unaffected plainness the argument of his worth and weight a weakness and emptiness being as safely as usually concluded from too much affectation an overmuch care of the out-side being an argument of remisness in what is within it remaining sâ—ith one equally rarâ— to find a starched and formal man wise as a Woman valiant the most serious Endeavours of both being to take only the Eyes Observations on the Life of the Marquess of Hertford HE was none of those Male-contents who make the sins of their â—iper years make good the follies of their youth and maintain oversights with Treasons as he was patient under his Imprisonment for the one so he was active in his services against the other not more dutifully submitting to the severity of K. Iames for his Marriage then loyally assisting the necessities of King Charles in his Wars It 's natural to return an Injury it 's heroical to overcome it and be above it when we are below our selves It is true he was drawn in to subscribe the untoward Proposals at York but it is as true he did of his own accord declare against the unnatural War in London where the King advanced him to the tuition of the Prince and he went himself to the defence of the King at what time such his popularity that he raised an Army himself such his humility that he yielded the command of it to another as if he knew nothing but others merit and his own wants being one of those choice men that admire every thing in others and see nothing in themselves His face his carriage his habit favoured of Lowliness without affectation and yet he was much under what he seemed His words were few and soft never either peremptory or censorious because he thought both each man more wise and none more obnoxious than himself being yet neither ignorant nor careless but naturally meâ—k lying ever close within himself armed with those two Master-pieces Resolution and Duty wherewith he mated the blackest Events that did rather exercise than dismay that spirit that was above them and that minde that looked beyond them He was the easiest enemy and the truest friend whom extremities obliged while as the Reverend Bishop speaks he as a well-wrought Vault lay at home the stronger by how much the more weight he did bear He offered his life for his Prince's service in the Field and his person for his ransom at the Court and when many wished they might die for that excellent King he the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton offered That since his Majesty was presumed by the Law to do no harm himself and since he did all by them his Ministers as they had the honour to act under they might have the happiness to suffer for him Observations on the Life of Sir John Finch THis Family hath had an hereditary eminence in the study of the Law Sir Henry Finch the Author of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a learned Sergeant at Law in King Iames his time Sir Heneage Finch Recorder of London in K. Charles's time and this noble person at the same time the Queen's Attorney and Speaker of that curious knowing and rich Parliament wherein some have observed though wide I suppose that the House of Commons modestly estimated consisting of 500 could buy the House of Peers consisting of 118 thrice over Norimbergh in Germany and Florence in Italy would not of old admit of any learned men in their Councel because great learned men saith the Historian of those places are perplexed to resolve upon Affairs making many doubts full of Respects and Imaginations Semblably this Parliament was too rich and curious to do any good though this noble personage even when the House-doors were shut and he violently detained in his Chair refused to countenance their proceedings always abhorring Eliot's doctrine That men should not be questioned for offences in Parliament As if that reverend Assembly were called for no other end than that turbulent spirits might be at liberty to speak Treason once every three years When he was questioned for his opinion about Ship-money his judgement was That if the whole were in danger the whole should contribute When he was urged to read the Remonstrance against Sir R. W. 4 Car. in Parliament his opinion was That at any rate though at the highest that can be Authority must be vindicated and redeemed from contempt since the Life of Government is reputation Observations on the Life of the Lord Say WHether the first impressions of his * Tutor Schoolmasters though the most neglected are not the most inconsiderable parts of a Common-wealth the narrowness of his fortune unequal to his honour younger brothers of noble houses had need in every State to be observed the repulse 1613. other men must look to whom they are kind but Princes to whom they are unkind inclined this personage to popularity This is certain no man was better tempered for that humour than himself being in his nature severe and rigid in his carriage close and reserved in his resolutions firm and immoveable in his apprehension provident and foreseeing in his Sentiments nice and curious in his Discourse full of Fears and Jealousies