whose former fewds had made but suspitious and so he wearied with doing evil returns into France to settle their Solemn League He gone Henry the eight sends home the Queen and Angus and having this while composed his French Quarrels with a Defensitive Amity against all Tourney rendred to the French and Overtures of a Match between the Dolphin and Henries Sister and not a word for the poor Scots that had lost their King in the French Dispute only interceding for a Cessation of Arms with the English and so accepted for Henries conveniency of Princely Interview with Louis The while supporting Angus and his Faction their own Civil Dissentions sufficient to busie themselves and to keep matters in much disorder the policy of England and France both to weaken the Scots power for eithers prey which being suspected by Albany now in France and the violent Fewds beginning fresh at home after five years absence he gets loose of the English Ships that lay wait in his way and Lands in Scotland The Governour come he sets things strait again which by his absence were made awry forces Angus into France many suffer besides others more factious fly into England and pretend the Dukes sudden return was to ingage that Nation against Henry who in rage sends to the Governour to be gone to his French Friends or to expect blowes and was answered as peremptorily That in case of War he knew better to defend than the other to fight King Henry in fury sets fines on some Scots here and after banishes all and presently pursues with invasions upon their Nation by Sea and Land And over to England comes the Emperour instigating the King to fall out with France the like Empirick Balm the French apply to cure the wounds of the Scots Commonwealth which prevailed so far that both Armies meet but the Scots would not fight the English fire all before them and the Governour not affected with the Scots falshood returns back to France for ever Angus gets home again countenanced by Henry assumes the person of the King now thirteen years old concludes a lasting Peace with England and proposes a Marriage between the young King and the Princess Mary which Henry in heart desired untill he heard of the French King Prisoner at Pavia by the Emperour so the match was put off upon pretence for the Emperours consent her neerest Kinsman The Queen displeased with her Husbands Supremacy over her Self and Son and both agreed to dislike each others Bed for it was fatal to her as to her Brother Henry to love change in And forthwith followed Divisions of Religion in Scotland also with Disputes and Arguments for Toleration excellently urged in â—avour of the Reformed but the Catholique Clergy prevailed and the Inquisition erected to force the other with Fire and Fagot The first that suffered in suspition of those attempts were the Hameltons of Kin to the Crown which wrought factions to such height as that King Henry takes heart begins by Incursions where the English were soundly beaten And then in Revenge Howard stiled the Old Earl of Norfolk is sent with formidable Forces 40000. to 30000. if the sums are not mistaken either party so numerous as to eat up all and starve themselves But upon some distrust of success the Earl retreats The Scots pursue this advantage And the next Spring mutiny among themselves and at Salloway Moss the English gave them a mighty defeat which so astonished King Iames that with wondrous regret he forced death over hastily to seize him at the instant when his Queen was delivered of a Daughter the only issue remaining to succeed him in his Throne And with he begins our History The Life and Death of his Daughter Mary Queen of Scotland taking up the Remain of Henry the eighth who lived not long after leaving his three children succeeding Sovereigns yet thought him not worthy memory by any Monument Edward the sixth whose short raign and youth supported by a wise Council held up what was left him by Succession Untill the Soveraignty fell to his Sister with alteration of all and hazard of all she being imbarqued in body and business to a Strangers Supremacy but not lasting long time Was left to a Virgin to recover desperate dangers Ecclesiashick and Civil with various Designs Impressions and Operations upon her Neighbour States imbroyled with her jealousies to infamy of destruction in the blood of Q. Mary of Scotland her neerest kinswoman and pretended Competitor in the Crown untill at last in Gods due time the Sovereignty fell to a Foreiner King Iames with re-union of the antient Title of Britain Elizabeth indeed succeeded in the Inheritance begotten by H. 8. upon Ann Bullen after his divorce from Katharine his Brothers widow by whom he had Q. Mary and that mariage dispensed with by the Pope Hence did arise a question Whether the Divorce was legal or Elizabeth legitimate when Adam was created Eve was taken out of him and made Woman a fit Instrument for prolification and Society And both married in Paradice God the Father being the Priest and the Angels Witnesses for which cause A man shall leave Father and Mother and cleave to his Wife They begat Sons and Daughters which were Brothers and Sisters and married one the other without contradiction untill the Flood nay after the Flood untill Moses writ And these Marriages were not against the Moral Law written in their hearts which being much obliterated in the faculties of the Soul by reason of Adams transgression when Moses writ the Law of Nature or Law of Reason it was therefore twice written in Tables of Stone that by reading those Precepts which were much defaced within man might repair in some measure those Laws almost blotted out by sin And so by reading get them into his Understanding Will and Memory Mans Knowledge comming most naturally by Sense Moses did not onely write this Morall Law in Stone but gave many positive Laws for the Pedagogie of the Iews untill Christ as the Ceremonial and Iudicial The Iudicial Lawes amongst other things did forbid Marriages in cases of blood and affinity and these continued until Christs time and no longer unless there were a Moral Equity in them which Morality is onely inter Ascendentes descendentes where there is a kind of Paternity and Fiâ—â—ation for Filius non portabit iniquitatem Patris and for that sin Iacob cursed Reuben for ascending his Fathers bed This ground being truly laid it was conceived there is no Law of God in force but that which is between Ascendents and Descendents It is true every Church hath made Laws to bind people in their Churches but it was insisted upon only in this That the Moral Law doth not forbid and the Ceremonial and Iudicial Laws are now abrogated In Sir Giles Allingtons case not long since who married his Sisters Daughter there was a sin against the Moral Law and so they were divorced But it was said in that case that
prefer him to a Deanary of Windsor and for better support with the Mastership of the Savoy This vext Count Gondomore the Spanish Lieger who intending to tempt him as the Devil does his creatures with a bosom sin that which they love had intelligence of his innate disposition to avarice with this he tampers afar off and with leave of his Master invites him to turn again from this so mean allowance and take preferment in the Conclave to be Spain's Pensioner there as almost all are with this assurance of the Cardinal's Cap he was cozened into the Court of Inquisition and so to the Gaol where he ended his days with grief and died a Protestant Professor in malice to the Papist or rather of no Religion The late sudden Murther aforesaid of Henry 4. of France left the Sovereignty to Lewis his Son and his minority to be supported by his Mothers Regency and she in miscarriage through too much affection to her Favourite the Marques D' Ancre a mechanical Florentine her Countreyman occasioned the Princes of the Bloud to seek their freedom by force which lasted not long after their several imprisonments for the quarrel rising high and D' Ancre busied abroad they plotted their business by a bold Captain of the Gens d' Arms De Vitry and effected upon Ancre's person with a single Pistol at the instant when he returned to the Pallace the Loure in Paris and his Corps had no other Balm for their Burial than his own bloud being dragg'd about the City by the Peoples rage till the dis-jointed limbs were left for Ravens King Lewis was young and engaged before in his Mothers quarrel but this accident taking fire as the Princes would have it soon won their weak Sovereign on their party and in policy perforce he owned the Action as the most convenient Iustice for quieting the Differences and so the Government taking hold on this occasion turn'd to the other side and had the better of the Queens Faction she being afterwards led up and down the King's Army under oversight as a Prisoner but shew'd to the People as if reconciled to her Son the chief Mover having paid the account upon the execution of his person This for the present which lasted by fits for some years as her Faction took breath untill that excellent Engeneer of State-policy Cardinal Richelieu had put her into a jealousie of her own safety at home and so opened a Gap whereby as in stealth she might get loose out of the Kingdom but Sovereigns leaving their Subjects are seldom sent for again and after much turmoil and tampering with several States and Italian tricks she ended her days very poor in Germany in the City of Collen And Richelieu succesfull in all his policies settled that Nation to his death in their due submission to Sovereignty which broke out afterwards Anno 1652. into like examples of former miseries The blessings of Peace and Plenty enthroning this King resolved him for a leasurely Expedition into Scotland in the opening of the last Spring which was not performed this Summer season partly to make good his promise when he took leave of his native Countrey to give them a Visit after some time of settlement in his new Inheritance And in some policy it was hastened now to be out of the way of address from the Emissaries of the French that unstable State now in the height of diffension whilest King Iames and his Court were thus refreshed from affairs and business here in as much prudence and splendour as the consideration of this Journey was necessary to the Design which our Historian with his Pasquil observations spends in ridiculous Riot But it was indeed by his presence to warm those cold Countreys with the beams of Majesty and with his precepts to warn that rebellious Nation of their feuds by example of their old French friends fresh miseries to settle the spirits of the factious Presbytery in obedience to Episcopal Hierarchy to pass some Bills and Acts of Parliament to regulate the exacting powers of some Officers in trust to give grace to the humble and content to all And forthwith a Proclamation was advised in Scotland and there published of the Kings Solomon like instinct to visit that Kingdom and therein gave them assurance not to alter the Civil and Ecclesiastical Estate but by reforming abuses in Church and Common-wealth and advised them to all accommodations to bid him and his welcome These directions were accompanied with others of State and amongst them for repairing and orderly adorning his Chapel and Officers sent out of England with necessaries and some Portraits and Pictures of the Apostles carved for the Pews and Stalls but the People exclame at such sights That Images were to be set up The Organs were come before and after comes Mass. The King was angry at their ignorance and sent them word to distinguish betwixt Pictures intended for Ornament and Decoration and Images erected for Worship and Adoration Resembling such men to the Constable of Castile who being to swear the Peace concluded with Spain and to be performed in the Kings Chapel where some Anthems were to be sung desired that Gods Name might not be used therein otherwise he would be content with any thing else So the Scots Kirk can endure Dogs Bears and Bulls nay Devils dressings to be figured in Churches but not the Patriarchs nor Apostles He come to Berwick in May and there it was advised to prorogue the Parliament to Iune 13. which gave the King time to progress through the Countrey making his entry in the special Burghs and Towns after the most magnificent manner and welcomed with all the expressions of cost and glory that ever that poor Nation had been put unto that some effects might seem to make good the Scots Rants of their gude Countrey And because it hath been since surmized that nothing was acted there in order to the service of that Nation we shall trouble the Reader with some particulars The King enters their Parliament with Rules for establishing Religion and Iustice and a regard to the Ministers of both for notwithstanding the many years Profession of Reformation numbers of Churches remained unplanted and those that were wanted maintenance advising that Commissioners might regulate a local stipend to each Minister He remembred them of his continual care and pains heretofore and since for placing Iustices and Constables to preserve the Peace and execute Laws which he said had been neglected by some by the small regard shewed unto them from others of higher rank But as he would have them know such Officers to be of honourable esteem so none could deserve better at his hands than those that countenanced them and those others Enemies to the Crown and quiet of the Kingdom That he had long endeavoured to civilize men from their barbarous customs having made some progress by remove of the persons or by extinct of their Feuds and in place
apprehensive of Death as where the Store-house of blood is less every hazard there raiseth fear paleness and trembling Angli bello intrepidi nec mortis sensu deterrentur witness the bold and cheerful sufferings of the condemned Answerable to our Bodies are our Laws suitable to the Inhabitants of this Soil Not being since William the Conquerour compelled in Criminal Tryals to confession by Torture as in the Civil Law of other Nations whose Innocency would rather yield to be guilty than to endure lingring pain Insulani plerunque fureâ— Death not prevailing to deteâ— men from common offences what constancy then shall that Man have who is martyred for matters of Religion and health of his Soul Britannis quibus nihil interest humine sublimive putrescant non valet Purpuratis Gallis Italis aut Hispanis ista minitare And therefore Pope Clement the eighth impaired his Cause by burning Mr. Marsh at Rome in Campo divi sancta â—iore whose constancy made him a Martyr and many carryed away his ashes as Reliques and that Pope resolved therefore That none of the English Nation should from that time be confirmed with fire The Enemies of true Religion have not gained to themselves by that cruelty Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae The Romans were tender in case of Religion to condemn to death Cato was not of opinion with those that would have sentenced the Bacchanals he alleging That Religion was apt to deceive men into a shew of Divinity and therefore to be wary in punishing the Professors lest the common people should suspect something was done thereby derogating from the Majesty of God Tantum Relligio potuit suadere Malorum And so the occasion of some Martyrs amongst the Scots increased numbers their Ashes being the best Compost to manure the Church And now return home out of England those Persons of Honour Prisoners to Henry 8. at the last fatal Battel with whom he deals so cunningly that by his Noble Usage and some Bribes to boot he returns them his Pensioners especially their utmost endeavour or a Match with Prince Edward and their Queen young Couples He five She but one year old And with this conceit the King might conquer Scotland by mariage to save him expence of money and men by the Sword But the French King Henry not liking this lincking began quarrels with the English embarging their Ships and Merchants goods the like with them in England So that some Forces were from hence speedily sent over which besieged Landersey but the French King in person with a mighty Army made the English to rise for to meet them In the mean time the Town was relieved and the King having done his Work returned in the dark The Scots Prisoners kept their word and prevailed so far at home that their first Parliament concluded the Match and confirmed it by an Instrument under Seals and ratified by Oaths and that their young Queen should be sent to her Husband but these Scots soon byassed by the French practices break faith and refuse This Indignity set Henry on fire for revenge who transports an Army into Scotland in 200. Vessels under command of Viscount Lisle Admiral for the Sea and the Earl of Hartford for the Souldiers and Land at the Fryth marching in three Battalia's towards Lieth And were encountred with skirmishes by six thousand Horse who soon retreated leaving Lieth to be consumed with fire And being besides this Success too powerful to be opposed marched forwards towards Edinburgh and were humbly besought by the Provost and Burgesses to spare their Cities ruin and be pleased with the Souldiers free quarter and Bag and Baggage at parting No this was not sufficient to appease the Enemies fury who being therefore somewhat opposed entered by force with fierce assault took part of the Town which they ransacked and consumed with fire Holy-rood-House and the Palace The Ships returned with large Spoils and the Army marcht on coasting the Countrey homewards ransacked above thirty Towns in their way with no more loss than fourty men Having thus punished them for perjury King Henry design'd as much or more to the French with two Armies the one under Command of the Duke of Norfolk who besieged the strong Town Maittrel but were beaten up with loss and little honour The other had better success by the Duke of Suffolk for embodying both of them encamped about Bulloign with power enough to be masters And therefore for the glory of the gallant King Himself comes over and after a Months Battery takes first the Upper and then the Base Town by Articles to depart with Bag and Baggage the whole number of Souls 4444. and King Henry Mans the Town and so comes home again And it was time so to do for the Scots always aiming at such opportunities fell into the Marches of England rifling and burning all the Towns they came to from whence the English were fled till they met with the Earl of Hartford who was sent with twelve thousand men and doing as the other had done before ruin'd all without opposition of any And thus but by turns King Henry intending to be more cruel with Revenge to that end makes peace with France but dies two years after Which Gave the Scots some time of breathing from abroad never free from quarrels at home the State increasing in Faction the old Council keep up their Inquisition after Heretiques as they termed the Reformers and for Example fell upon one Wischard whose outward zeal and affection to their Cause gave him courage to confirm it by Fire and Fagot And for whose death the Cardinal David Beaton lately come to enjoy his Kinsmans CAP was barbarously murthered in his Castle of Saint Andrews by Norman Lisle Iames Melvin and others and were justified in that barbarous act by Iohn Rough preaching it for sound doctrine who had got into their gang one Iohn Knox the most notorious Ringleader afterwards of all disorder in their Reformation which now began to quarrel with the Crown also and all Regal Government For presently surprizing the Castle He was by the Crowd vocated as they call it to be a Preaching Minister whose Pride enduring no Rival soon turned out Rough that brought him in But Knox finding no firm footing in Scotland fled into England two years after And now began the tumult within and without the Castle the Town taking parts Monsieur d' Osel sent into France for a great Army and as soon as sent for was wafted over in 24. Gallies anno 1547. beginning Siege and Battery to the Castle which was quickly rendered and the Prisoners and Spoil thereof returned back with the Army into France The English were comming to oppose the French but Henry 8. of England dying gave occasion to the French to return Victors The antient League of Scots and French was decreed in the time of Achaius the first Monarch of
the K. whom Huntley opposes with a weak Defence for himself whilest the Colonel escapes away and never more seen The King had a gracious inclination to Huntley having very lately married him to a gallant Lady of kin to the King but dismissed him the Court untill the Spanish Navy was dissipated and the general joy of that Defeat made all Friends at home Queen Elizabeth much pleased with the Kings fore-sight and with Maxwell's Commitment and Huntley's Banishment with other the like prudential Providences of the King sends Sir Robert Sidney in August to congratulate his wisdom herein and to conclude mutual assistance in case the Spaniard should land on either Kingdoms and discoursing of Spains ambition to seize on England Sidney said Your Majesty may be assured of the like kindness at his hand if he prevailed The King merrily answered That he expected the same which Polyphemus promised to Ulysses to devour him after his fellows and so with great curtesie dismissed him upon whose return home another Messenger was sent with News of the Navies overthrow But not to sit down with the contrary of Caesar's Motto who no sooner came but he overcame this Fleet no sooner seen but was sunk in the Sea the wonder of the worlds apprehension so invincible an Armado must needs demonstrate to these Nations Gods gratious and powerfull arm in the overthrow and though the main intent was against England whose Prayers and Pens have often given the glory to their Redeemer yet because some spoils of that wreck were cast on the Scots coasts we may not refer the Reader without the Book to others relation This Discourse I finde imprinted anno 1688. suddenly set out by the Queen to rejoyce her Subjects with each particular and published after by other Nations in French High Dutch and Hollands The Introduction invites the Reader to a religious consideration of the promise and power of God to defend his Church and People by Examples Lamech trusting to his sons inventions Iubal and Tubal-Cain boasteth unto his Wives that he would not take the least injury but he would slay a strong man in his wound and a young man in his hurt Nimrod in the second Age hunting men like wilde beasts erected a Tower to reach to Heaven in pride and contempt of God Nabuchadnezzar Nicanor and others the like It hath been frequent for the wicked to encourage themselves and discourage the good the one mighty in number the last but few and weak to that end tended the railing Rabshake the blasphemous Ambassadour of the wicked Sennacherib Make war saith he to Eliakim with my Master the King of Assyria and I will deliver to thee two thousand Horse Have any of the Gods of the Nations delivered their Land from the King of Assyria Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad those of Sâ—pharvaim and Ivah that the Lord should deliver Ierusalem out of my hand Truly the Italian Lamech and Spanish Nimrod the Pope and Spain the one by his Priestly practices Bulls Excommunications Interdictions the other by his several politick assaults heretofore not prevailing now his Babels Towers vast and high built Bulks Gallions Galliasses appear to amaze the World and frighten Heaven it self so that it may be urged in opposition to all as by the sequel was said of Iehosaphat We had no strength to resist so great a multitude coming against us neither knew we what to do but our eys were fixed on thee our Lord. The first Squadron was of Gallions of Portugal wherein were ten Gallions and Zabres amounting unto and imbarqued in them 7737 Tuns 3330 Souldiers 1230 Mariners 350 Guns The Army of Biscay ten great Ships and four Pinnaces 6567 Tuns 2037 Souldiers 868 Mariners 260 Cannon The Army of Castile fourteen Gallions and two Pinnaces 8714 Tuns 2458 Souldiers 1759 Mariners 348 Guns The Army of Andelusia eleven Ships 8762 Tuns 2400 Souldiers 800 Mariners 260 Guns The Army of Guipeuzie fourteen Ships 6991 Tuns 2092 Souldiers 670 Mariners 250 Guns The Army of the East ten Ships 7705 Tuns 2880 Souldiers 807 Mariners 310 Guns The Army of Hulks 7450 Tuns 2804 Souldiers 640 Mariners 315 Guns The Pitaches and Zabres of Don Mendoza three twenty Hulks 10271 Tuns 3221 Souldiers 788 Mariners 410 Guns The Squadron of Zaregosse two and twenty Pataches 1131 Tuns 479 Souldiers 574 Mariners 193 Guns The Galliasses of Naples four 873 Souldiers 468 Mariners 1200 Slaves 200 Guns The four Gallies 400 Souldiers 400 Slaves 20 Guns Summa Totalis 130 Ships 20 Caravels 10 Saluces with Oars for publick Service 57868 Tuns 19295 Souldiers 8450 Mariners 2088 Slaves 2630 Guns The chief Officers were The Duke of Medina Sidonia Captain General Iuan Martines de Ricalde Admiral Diego Flores General of the Army of the Gallions of Castile Don Piedro de Valdes General of the Army of Andalusia Michael de Oquendo General of the Army of Givopesque Martin Bretandona General of the Ships of the Levantines Gomer de Mendoza Commander of the Hulks Antonio Hurtado Commander of the Pitaches and Zabres Diego de Medrano Chief of the Gallies The numbers of thousands of Quintals of Biscuit Pipes of Wine Flesh and Fish Rice Beans and Pease Oyl Vineger the Carriages of War and all manner of Provisions for Land-service would amaze the Readeâ— and weary the Accountant which was truly summed up and imprinted at Lisbone before the Fleet set out being the 30th of May 1588. And afterwards there followed out of Lisbon towards the end of Iune a supply of an Army of eighty Sail of Ships to joyn with the Armada Their design was to join with the Prince of Parma who was to meet them in the Narrow Seas and so to invade England together but whether he was kept in by the Hollands fleet who assisted the English or was not ready or bribed he came not forth at all The English had Pinnaces of intelligence that of long time before expected the Armado who were detained by cross winds The English Fleet anchored at Plymouth and having sight of the Enemy waited on them a loof playing upon such as scattered or lagged hinmost amongst whom was the Gallion of Don Pedro de Valdes taken in fight and sent to Plymouth Another of Don Olenquo which took fire but he was saved and sent Prisoner The Galliass of Naples sunck in the sands of Callis In which Road the Armado anchored attending for Parma but by a Stratagem of eight old Ships fitted with all manner of combustable matteâ— the Ordinance charged with Bullets Stones Iron and Chains and fired at a reasonable distance the wind and tide serving they were carried in a flame upon the midst of the Enemies Fleet at which time the trains taking fire it falling out to be night and so unexpected that not able to weigh Anchors they cut Cables and in monstrous confusion sayled they knew not whether without Order or Command made to Sea till the morning light
Bothwels eager pursuit stumbled his Horse and in the fall bruises him into some perâ—â— that he took the readiest way to Dalkieth for that night and the next morrow dissolves his Troopâ— Arrol has tidings and does so too the Captains at â—ife take ship and faâ—l away And this gave end to his three â—quadrons and leasure to the King by his Ambassadour Lord Colvil to complain to Queen Elizabeth of her Ambassadour Zouch and her harbouring of Bothwel He writes plainly Though she had recommended his Person wise religious and honest yet his â—arriage was more like an Herauld than to be a Messenger in Commission of Peaâ—e between two neighbour Princes and therefore meeting with his pride and wilfulness he chose his own Emissary to carry this Errand whom he prays the Queen to credit He marvelled the more having received her many Princely promises and Letters not to countenance Bothwel nor his Receivers whilest some of her own Palaces had given him harbour being assisted with English Moneys to levy Scots and English in this his another very late treacherous Attempt To challenge her Princely Honour he did not nor could be confident of her priviâ—y therein yet considering her prudence and policies he was troubled to finde the insolency of her Subjects to hazard a breach with her nearest Kinsman and therefore leaving it to her self to resolve those doubts he put her in mind of his delivery of Orork the Irish Rebell to her and prays her not to put him in ballance with such a trayterous counterpoise least he be constrained to speak like the Poet Flectere si nequeo superos c. Thus much the letter said the Ambassadour in private assured her Majesty the particular prosecution against the Popish Lords to proscribe their persons and confiscate their Lands And to go through with the work against them and other Romists he craved a supply of monies The Queen had no excuse but to ballance her favour to Bothwell by the slow pursuit the King made against those Papists Henceforth she would cease and for effecting his purpose against them He should not want what was in her power to afford The first she really perâ—â—â—rmed and speedily proclamed against Bothwell and no assistance to him through her Borders which the King hartily resented And by his Ambassadors invites the Queen to the Baptism of the Prince his Son and others were sent of the same errand To the King of Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the general Estates Men enough to one Woman The King so far affected with the Queens Publication against Bothwell that the next Parliament the Scotish Papists are banished by plurality of voices Clergy and Commons whom the Nobles would have spared And Arguile is sent with forces against such as would not submit The Assembly of the Church coâ—nvene at Edenburgh and direct Commissioners of their own to represent to his Majesty at Sterlin the dangers of the State and to propound the remedies in eleven Articles They lay the ground from the late design of the Spaniard in eighty eight against the whole Island and his correspondence since with the Popish Lords argues his intention the same still and their continuance in Treasonable attempts ever since doth evidence their obstinacy to prosecute the Conspiracy Then the Church layes open how their counsel from time to time was neglected and the enemy incouraged and none greater favourites in Court than Papists naming principal families infected therewith And reckoâ—s up the Popish Lords neglect and scorn of the Act of Oblivion their disobedience not entring their persons to Ward The arriving of the late Spanish Bark at Montross shews that their Practises continue and their open Conventions assure themselves safety besides their preparations of Arms in the North parts And conclude that the cause not being removed the dangerous effects are like to follow The Remedies they propound in eight conclusions That the Popish Lords be forfeited the next Sessions of Parliament And no Papists elected shall sit That they shall be pursued their rents and lands annexed to the Crown without favour That seizure be made of several notorious persons named That none shall relieve them with any Supply or Intelligence That the people should put themselves into arms as a posture of Defence Somwhat was said against the Lord Hume but he appearing was absolved These remedies were well accepted of the King only misliking Subjects to arm without his Warrant And well he might reminding the last years insurrections at the peoples pleasure The King granting theirs offers some conditions for himself hy his Messinger Melvil That the Assembly should inhibit their Ministers irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesty and Council under pain of deprivation And to censure Iohn Ross for his insolency therein The like against Hunter another of theirsâ— for his open consortship with the late Traytors he being a Minister of Religion against his King of the same faith to the great scandal of the Church The third was to admonâ—sh their Congregations against Bothwell his treasonable attempts or any other such insurrections against his Majesties person This last was enacted but Ross was only admonished to do so no more and Hunter was pretended to be deposed from his function but they juggled him in again The Parliament adjudged the three Earls and Achindown guilty of the Crimes of Treason their estates forfeited their Escocheons torn by the Herauld as their manner of degrading and excellent Statutes passed for the good of Country and Commons And now begins the Solemnity of Baptism for the Prince in August from England the Earl of Sussex the King of Denmark and Duke of Brunswick and Megleburgh with the free Estates of the Provinces had their Ambassadours there present from the French King came none The manner of Ceremony was thus handsom The Infant was brought into the Queens chamber of Presence laid in a Bed of State The Ambassadours came in and were presented with the Prince first from the Arms of the Countess of Mar to the Duke of Lennox who delivered him to the Earl of Sussex having the principal place of Dignity who bore him to the Chappel being followed with a Noble Train of Lords and Ladies Before them all the Lord Hume carried the Ducall Coronet the Lord Levingston bore the Towell the Lord Seaton the Fontall Bason and the Lord Simple the Laver. Over the English Ambassadour â— Rich Majesterial Canopie supported by four Lairds The Childs Train bore up by the Lords Sinclare and Urquart and a Guâ—rd or Lane on each side of the young Noblemen and Gentry of the Nation Being entred the Chappel the King already set and ariâ—â—ing from his Throne receives and salutes the Ambassadours and then the Infant was delivered again to Lenox who reached him to the Nurse and the Estates take their Seats Upon the Kings Right hand a Chair was placed for the French Ambassadour who was not
in Ireland There was publick Reports of the Spaniards mighty preparations by sea more then in 88 pretended against Britaign in France which the King of Scotland feared might fall upon him or England or both And therefore musters all his people and secures the Borders from pryvate quarrells of each other or to infringe the peace and Covenant of both Nations so firmly united by Alliance and Religion Language and manners that of late they seemed one But to divert Spains purposes Queen Elizabeth joyns with France who denounces warr against him and is hotly pursued in Luxemburgh and Picardy Where he hath the better Castelet Dorleans and Cambray taken and the French crave more ayd from England or to be forst to make peace with Spain whicâ— indeed she suspected He being already received conditionally into the blessing of the Pope and conclave These successes hightned the Spaniards to adventure over into England from Bretaign in four Gallyes under Command of Dudrack Brocher and landed betimes in the morning burntâ— poor fisher Towns in Cornwall and without losse of any one Englishman stole home again These being the first and last Spaniards that ever in Enmity durst set foot on English ground And this their poor attempt incensed the English to seek him at home that they might feel the different effects of English designs Sir Walter Ralegh Captain of the Queens Guard made an Expedition upon his Territories in America commonly called the Guiana voyage within 8 degrees south of the Aequater He burns some Towns and Cottages and so returns Sir Amias Preston and Sir Georg Summers also sack and burn the Towns of the Isle of Puerto santâ— neer Maedera and Coche neer Margereta Coro and the City Iago de Lion but took money to spare Cumena Hawkins Drake Baskervile with 6 of the Queens ships and 20 other Men of warr fire some Towns in the Isle Dominica in the West Indies and others upon the continent But the event of that voyage Hawkins and Drake died of sicknesse and home came the Company poor enough for any Pillage so we return to our Scots story This new year some time sets variance between both Realms The Lord Scroop for the West Marches of England and the Laird of Backlugh for the charge of Liddesdale design a Day of Truce to treat of disorders and the meeting even at the Brook that divides both nations Mr. Salcallk was Deputy for Scroop and Robert Scot for Backlugh and having met friendly and composed some differences they parted At their meeting was Armstrong nick-named Will of Kinmouth a notorious Thief for the Scots he returning home was set upon by some English and after four miles chase brought him Prisoner to Salcallk and so to the Castle of Carlile The Truce was broken being accounted evermore from the hour of Treaty till next day Sun-rise and the Prisoner is demanded But Scroop refused unless by order from the Queen and Council The man being a notorious Malefactor and Backlugh was modest not to make many words ere he procured Bowes the English Resident to write to Scroop for his inlargement which not taking effect the King writes to the Queen nor that neither Backlugh engaged in honour to the King and his own right of Trust Plots the Prisoners Release this Way The Castle of Carlisle was surprizable and in particular at the Postern-Gate the measure of the height he had and there he meant to scale or break through the weakness of the Wall by Engines and so to force the Gates Thus resolved he drew up two hundred horse to Mortons Tower ten miles from Carlisle neer Sun-set he forded the River Esâ— and two hours before day he passed Eden beneath Carlileâ—bridge â—bridge and so came to Sarcery a plain under the Castle And making halt under Cadage Bourn he dismounted fourscore of his company but his Ladders too short his men fell to mining and himself retiring to the rest to secure those which might enter against any eruption from the Town In fine the Breach opened entrance to single men who brake through the Postern-Gate for the rest The watch awaked and made some resistance but were soon seized into Guard and afterwards the Prisoner freed The sign being forthwith given by sound of a Trumpet a signal to the Souldiers without that the enterprize was effected within My Lord Scroop and Salcalk were in the Castle to whom the Scots gave the good night and so parted This Surprize was handsomely mannaged having order from Backlugh to break open no door but the Prisoners Ward nor did they do any more prejudice though the Governour and Castle became under their power Being got out their Prisoners were returned The Town took the allarm and all in posture of war but Baâ—klugh came back as he went to his own quarters two hours before Sun-set the thirteenth of April 1596. a quick and resolute design performed with civillity and honour which troubled the English to be out-done nobly in any Attempts For a Prisoner to be forced out of a strong Castle of Defence so far within England and so handsomely troubled the whole State of England And Bowes the Ambassadour had post order to aggravate the fact as a breach of peace unless Backlugh were delivered to the Queens pleasure Backlugh having done this gallant work maintained his defence as discretly That he marched not with design against any the Queens holds or in wrong to any of her Subjects but to relieve a Prisoner unlawfully surprized and illegally detained being seized in the day of Truce nor did he aâ—tempt his Relief until redress was refused And the sober 〈◊〉 civil prosecution he was confident would be justified according to the antient Treaties of both Realms when mutual injuries were referred to Commissioners as both their Majesties should appoint to whom most humbly he doth submit This not satisfactory the Queens displeasure took some time to consider until a moneth after it was remitted to Commissioners The King stood upon Justice and the rather against the Lord Scroop for the injury committed by his Deputy And in truth and reason it was less courtesie to take a Prisoner than to relieve him unlawfully taken Yet all would not serve the Borderers make inroades upon each other the English worsted in all till King Iames out of complement to his Kinswoman grown old and peevâ—sh 〈◊〉 content to moderate her passion by yielding unto the imprisonment of Backlugh to Saint Andrews and then conveyed to England more for form than guilt of punishment and so sent home again The Isles were up a petty Rebellion naked cold and hunger soon suppressed themselves yet in fear of Spanish Invasion or a Receptacle â—or Revolters a thousand men were levyed under Col. Stuart for fourty daies the custome to assist the King upon which the chiefs submit and give caution to compeer before the King And as there was too frequent cause by these
That witches can cure or cast on diseases the same reason that proves their power by the Divel of diseases in general their power in special is also proved as weakning the nature of some men towards women In others to abound above nature and so of particular sicknesses But in all he observes the different ends of God in the first cause and the Divel as his instrument in the second cause as Gods Hangman For where the divels intention is to perish in the patient soul or Body or both God by the contrary draws evermore out of that evil glory to himself either by destruction of the wicked or tryal of the patient and amendment of the faithfull being awakened by that rod of correction But who likes to be too curious of all their Practises read but Bodinus Daemonomancie collected with greater diligence than Judgment And further if you would be acquaiuted with the opinions of the Ancients concerning their power It is well described by Hyperius and Hemmingius two Germain Authors Besides many other Neoterick Theologues largely setting down that subject And if curious and inquisitive of the rites of this unnecessary Perilous black-art the Divel may too soon direct any unto Cornelius Agrippa and Wierus afore mentioned I know how it hath been of late urged that King Iames was not of the same mind alwaies and very tender of his Judges â—roceedings ignorantly condemning some innocent Melancholly simple old women whose miserable poverties made them weary of life and easily to confess themselves guilty of they knew not what though in sad condition otherwise liable to Satans suggestions and deceipt And so busied himself with curious perspicuity into tryal examination and discovery of sundry counterfeits pretenders to be possessed by evill spirits But yet to my knowledg he was ever constant to his former opinion of witches and witchcraft in particulars I can evidence The King thus busied to quiet the North Countries some Incursions were made on the Marches of each Nation the out-lodgers of Tindale Riddesdale for the English made in rodes upon the Scots County of Liddesdale The Laird Backlugh commander of those parts does the like into England and apprehending the chief mischief-makers 36 puts them all to the sword and returns with great spoil Against him is Sir William Bowes sent from the Queen to complain and with much adoe reconciled And for the future peace of the Borders the time was assigned for Hostages to be delivered on each side to either But Backlugh fayling to perform his part was feign to satisfie the Queens displeasure by entering himself into England as Hostage where he continued some Moâ—â—ths Queen Elizabeth evermore upon actions of diversion never upon conquest to assist her neighbours French and Netherlands prepares another Navy against Spain of 120 sail under command of Essex and Lord Thomas Howard and Sir Walter Ralegh in three sqadrons they set out of Plymouth but are weather beaten back and put forth again but become distressed ere they get cleer of land and so return And after fresh supply of men and victual they resolve for the Islands of Azores In the voyage by the way cross winds seperate Ralegh who being missed when the others came there Essex overhastily sent intelligence by a Bark into England that Ralegh had on purpose seperated himself from the fleet But he hastily coming in unto them that rash act of complaint was excused by Essex which Ralegh resented ever after And he landing on the Isle of Fiall before Essex came thither takes the Town which being misunderstood as in dispite of Authority they are peiced again They land upon Gratiosa and Flores take the spoil and depaâ—â— unto other Ilands to seek the Spanish India fleet which was then to come home And no sooner departed but within two houres after the whole fleet of 40 sail full of treasure arrives there and meets with some of the English ships But ere Essex came in they were shrowded under the safety and shot of their own Castles Yet Essex lands farther off and takes Villa Franka burns a great Carocque ship But not much done in answer to Essex his ranting intentions they return in some distress by the way home And being come to Court the Repetition of their several incounters moved contention between Essex and Ralegh casting all misfortunes on each other Besides Essex now blown up with ambition was offended that Sir Robert Cacil in his absence was made Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Dutchie of Lancaster emulous of his wisdom and besides he was then Raleghs great friend But more malitious That the Lord Howard Admiral of England was created Earl of Nottingham with some Testimonialls mentioned in his Patent That he had secured England from the Spanish invasion of 88 and that joyntly â—ith Essex he had valiantly taken the Iland and City of Cadiz and that he had there wholly destroyed the Spanish fleet designed for their assault of the Kingdom of England but Essex would have it fancied he did all himself For he that usually ascribed all the glory to himself could indure no Rivalls especially that Nottingham now Earl took place of him and all others of the same degree as being Admiral according to the Statute of Henry the 8. That the high Chamberlain high Constable Marshal Admiral high Steward and Chamberlain should have preheminâ—nce of all others of the same degree of Honor. But to please Essex He is therefore made Marshal of England and so his pride took place of the Admiral This I note in particular to shew by what steps and degrees of distast He took occasion to turn Traytor not long after See Anno 1600 and so we return to Scotland The winter quarter brought the Estates to Edenburgh and the King timely holds a Parliament in some respects for restoring the Popish Lords now called Proselytes to their honors and lands And the Commissioners for the Ministery are suiters for sundry Articles Amongst them this was one That the Ministers representing the Church and third estate of the Kingdom might be admitted voice in Parliament according to several acts here to foâ—â— in favour of the Church and the libertie and freedom The King was earnest therein to please them and had it past But then obtained the manner as for himself thus That such Pastors and Ministers as his Majesty should please to provide to the Place and Dignity of a Bishop Abbot or other Prelate at any time shall have voice in Parliament as freely as any other Ecclesiastical Prelate had at any time by-past And that all Bishopricks then in his Majesties hands and undisponed to any person or which should happen to fall void hereafter should be only disponed to actua Preachers and Ministers in the Church or to such other persons as should be found apt and qualified to use and exercise the Office of a Preacher or Minister and who in their provisions to the said
Captivity Shall we be inveigled with pretences petty Preferment to Parliament Votes and Titles of Prelacy c. Then scoffing at the King But Boniton says he that Thief is executed What 's that to Religion Is there none offends but Boniton But the King is sound if so the danger the less but there is nothing sound in Kirk or King Melius obtabilius est bellâ—m pace impia a Deo distrahente Do what the King could such Libells were licensed for which he was committed Their Church thus settled the King urges for a new Translation of the Bible being miserably lamely done disputing with them the Errors therein as also their Prose and Singing Psalms wherein he shewed the faults of Meeter and Matter with admiration to all that heard him so ready to reason with them their discrepance from the Text by proofs of other Languages which though he could not obtain from them therein yet he had it accomplished where he found obedience to his commands afterwards in England Anno 1603. The King caresses all his Friends and sends Lodowick Duke of Lenox Ambassadour into France with some persons of Honour and two Counsellours of State to caress the King he arrives at Diep and enters Paris with a train of Scots that met him from all parts a custom they ever had to set out themselves the best side outwards especially from home where they are least known but by their own declarations And not long after Audience at St. Iermans the Queen in childe-bed and then took leisure to visit his Mother Madam d' Aubigney whilest the King poasted to Callis upon false intelligence that Queen Elizabeth was desperate ill or that the affairs of Flanders invited him Ostend then besieged No doubt his mouth watered to have found such another faction as might foist in another Bastard of Normandy in gallantry he would say so Upon his return the Duke takes leave and lands in England We may guess what he had done assured the Kings affection to the French and as of ancient amity so craves continuance and support towards his new Inheritance in case of necessity when his time should come to the Crown of England And here he findes the Queen ill disposed and the Parliament set suspected of all to have made his Masters clame to the Right of Succession and many one ready to offer assistance but he declared to them the Kings dislike to breed jealousies by such unkindness his Commission being no other than to salute her with the Kings filial affection to her Majesty and because he found the Irish malady oppressed her most he proffered his Masters aid to serve her there which she took well and he took leave The Mighty States ouâ— of sunken Netherlands will have no delay but to subdue Flanders and to amuze the Arch Duke Maurice Prince of Orange is sent into Gelderland to besiege Reinbergh and had assistance fron England of four thousand men but the Arch Duke was more forward and fell upon Ostend to whose Relief are sent twenty Companies and Sir Francis Vere their General both without and within Ostend from a poor Fisher-town had repulsed the Duke of Parma Maltee and now this Arch Duke with all his seventeen Forts erected round about it For Sir Francis Vere in the fifth moneth of the Siege treats about the Surrender delaying the Delegates till Auxiliaries were raised and then sent them away with a fig for them The Arch Duke was angry batters Ostend with eighteen Cannon drives on two thousand Foot to set upon the old Town the Horse put them on and take two Fortresses and the English Trenches nine Ordnance out of the West Gate with Chain-shot miserably rent the Assailants with mighty loss in other places Sir Francis Vere quits his six moneths Government as it was ordained to Frederick Dork a Dutch-man who with others succeeding him defended it three years and four mouths against Spains fury and the raging sea the more troublesom Enemy and in that time were intomb'd in honour many brave English and others the most warlike Souldiers of all Nations in Christendom contending for a barren piece of sand The French King fearing such an evil Neighbour provides for his own Coast and comes to Callis whom Queen Elizabeth congratulates by her Secretary Edmonds and he returns the Visit to her by Marshal Byron Monsieur Arvern and Sir Aumons and besides they had in charge to wish her happiness in the timely suppression of the late Rising and sudden Execution of Essex and his Complices She said His faults deserved that punishment of which she gave him timely warning foreseeing his ambition edg'd on by others to commit Treason for which yet had he begg'd it she might have given him pardon Byron not long after felt the like destiny for his Plots against the French King though his merits to his Master were far exceeding any pretences of Essex yet all of them and his thirty wounds in the Kings service could not prevail though he begg'd it with too much desire of longer life And indeed they were both equally matches in most things parallel either in vice or virtue Money was scarce in England being transported yearly into Ireland one hundred and sixty thousand pounds sterling and under that colour the Merchants had a common way to convey elsewhere much more and once got to the Rebells it was good barter for all commodities with any forein Nation and by stealth with English the Coin for Ireland was therefore abased with some Brass which would bring over the sterling money back again into England The Arguments against this could not prevail with Treasurer Burkhurst besides the Law of that time Necessity 'T is true the Souldier lost in his pay which they felt but understood not and the Queen was not so nice of her publick repute but to veil to the benefit which lasted not long and the money-masters not then so well experienced to manage the advantage the Spanish policy therein grown cunning might have taught us what they practice for gain With fresh pay the Deputy goes on removes Ter Oen from Black-water Derry Castle Donegal Monastery The tittular Earl of Desmond and Mac Carty are surprized arreigned and condemned of Treason and sent into England by whom and others is discovered the intention of landing Forces from Spain at Cork which was therefore fortified and fresh mann'd with help of two thousand new Souldiers out of England The Spaniards lands in September at the mouth of Kingsale Haven and the Governour there Percie retires 〈◊〉 and the other let in with thirty five Ensignes 〈◊〉 welcomed by the Inhabitants The President Carew bestirrs him drives the County about lodges some forces in places of advantage ready with his Army to expect don Iohn D' Aquila with his title of Master General and Captain of the Catholick King in defending the war of God and maintenance of Religion in Ireland and to deliver
incompatible and inseparable Iustice and Mercy may Kiss each Other we may Fear and yet Love the Lord. Virtues consist in Concatenation He who stiled Hanibals Crueltie a Virtue by the same Argument concluded Clemencie a Vice He had Examples of former Presidents The King of France forgat the Quarrel of the Duke of Orleans He did so And more did King Iames which over-ruled Him to that pious and prudent Consideration that resolved into the most hapy Event The aym and End to make His design also Practical and His Precepts an admirable Patâ—ern And indeed the Paths which He alwaies walked in were the less obvious to Common footsteps as they were confirmed to choicer Limits Being almost an example to Himself and Inimitable of all for in His way few went before Him And thus resolved whilst Queen Elizabeths age and weakness increased He wanted not Parasites of Her own Court that constantly offered their Intelligence of all Her Actions and weak condition which gave him timely occasion to consider the settlement of his affairs at home in reference to his Inheritance of England His first was for Religion and to judg with what affection the Kirk of Scotland had faction with Calvins documents very averse from Papistrie but subject to the Infection of Neighbour schisms And how to ballance them was his work to wade through It was no boot heretofore to strive against this stream at home and therefore he suffered the violence to run into the usual Chanel for that time Wisely weighing the perverse peevishness of the Ministery And with what constitutions they had linckt themselves with the publick affections of the People and withall got a mixt power in the affairs of State And it was not for him to break through that Custom which yet he foresaw must afterwards quarrel with the Customes of his successive Inheritance where Episcopacie had fixed such firm footing But laying the foundation of his adventure on His own Penn in his Instructions to his son Prince Henry stated to him the estate of that Kirk And indeed their Reformation from Popery as it was extraordinary by God so was it done Inordinately by popular Tumult and Rebellion of such as did the work clog'd with passion and particular respects as in other Neighbouring Nations fiery Spirits of the Ministry got such a guiding of the people in their times of confusion partly in the Governments of his Grand-mother and his Mother as hath been related and afterwards usurping larger liberty under four Regents in His Long Minority and by these occasions setled themselves in hope to lead the people by the Nose and so in all factions then and for many years before and sythence to spouse any quarrel as their own evermore esteeming Him the highest evil not by any Vice but only to be a King And because some of the Ministery the more grave and learned were asham'd to side with them therefore the other sort preached themselves a Parity in the Church the Mother of Confusion and enemy to unity By which means great disorder was likely to follow which the King sought by several waies to prevent or countermine their subtlety with His wisdom The professed Puritan being a Sect whom no deserts could oblige nor their own Oaths or promises bind and whose consciences had not more of credit than their own conceits And therefore the Kings preservative against such was to advance learning in their Ministers In whom truly â—il His time who was able to try Men it was very defective taking a pride in their pretended zeal to shadow their great ignorance in divine knowledg making their shop dark thereby to vent false wares to the people And so to keep ballance in their different conditions with those of the Episcopacie And to avoid extreams to repress the Vanity of the Precisian so not to suffer the excess of a Bishop and to chain them both with such bonds and ligaments as did preserve that Estate from creeping into very great Corruption Even in the period of time when their Doctrines had amplified into Heads of very dangerous Consequence Errors grow fastest in hot brains but their Obstinacie therein is that dead flesh which makes the green wound of an Error fester by degrees into the old sore of an Heresie And for his Nobility as they were antient so and oft-times in former feuds had suckt in with their nursing a very proud conceit of their greatness and power such as it was among their parties of Kindred or otherwise allied or won by kindness to their Tenants which evermore had a mixture of some cuning not less to be considered than in other Peers of neighbouring Nations I mean the English and French with whom that Nation had great interest To keep those I say his own Peers in Peace out of the sad experience of former Times intestine Divisions not occasioned as in some other Dominions from their several changes and quarrels to Sovereignty or Title to a Crown but always from private faction of their own to which either party pretended the Sovereigns safety to settle and secure their own pretensions by possessing of the Regents for so heretofore they hurried his Parents his Protectors and Him from Post to Pillar And therefore he preferred such as had been faithfull to his Predecessours and to the safety of him in his minority a Rule of direction herein he markt out to his Son keeping such notwithstanding under his elbow with places of Judicature or Offices of honor so to divert them and their interest abroad And having for some years thus settled his Kingdom he began more particular to look upon himself and to consider his near relation to the Crown of England which he long lookt for and warily expected well knowing through his undoubted right the jealousie of Princes upon their Successours they too hastily coveting that which long delay might breed to impatience and it fell upon Him with as much fear as upon any Heir that our Histories can parallel in all the Factions and Interests of neighbour Princes wisely how to guide himself as an accountant to the Kingdom of England For Q. Elizabeth after her settlement here held it a Maxime of policy not to publish her own Pedegree which must draw down the Scots Line to the absolute necessity of succeeding and yet to ballance the French and to keep up her power over the Scots she took upon her to meddle in all their affairs and so to tamper with their Factions as not to suffer the Scots Queens and others Regents there to get to great power which the French endeavoured mightily to promote and therefore Maries head was the sooner strook off to remove the dangers and make Queen Elizabeth of more absolute authority in that Nation which she was not over-nice to take upon her But to amuze them and the world besides she was ever busie with Suters to make all men believe she meant to marry which had the King
Prince did upon some weightier occasion no doubt than a Ladies Garter erect this Order Anno 1350. The Emblems are a Blue Garter to be worn daily buckled on the left Leg set with Gold or Pearl in these words Honi soit qui mal y pense Shame take him that evil thinketh This Order is inferiour to none in the World consisting of six and twenty Martial and Heroical Nobles the King of England the chief the rest are either Nobles of this Nation or Princes of other Countreys Friends and Confederates Emperours and Kings have desired and received that Honour Theâ—e are depending this Order six and twenty poor Knights with sufficient maintenance The Officers were the Prelate of the Garter which is inherent to the Bishop of Winchester for the time being the Chancellour the Register always the Dean of Windsor the principal King at Arms called Garter and the Usher called the Black Rod The site of this College is the Castle of Windsor with the Chapel of St George erected by Edward the third and the Chapter-house there also The Protector-Saint olim tam nobilis is St George whose Picture on horse-back killing the Dragon doth always hang at a Blue Silk Ribband about each Knights neck And the outward Vestment or Cloak hath a Star embroidered in Silver encompassing a Shield bearing the Red Cross of England with the Garter about it This I mention lest it be forgotten to after ages Amongst sundry men of valour in antient days was George born at Coventry in England his Mother with childe of him dreamed that she conceived with a Dragon which should be the cause of her death but the Wizards Witches assured her to die in childe-bed of a Son whose life and fortune shall be a mirrour to posterity and therefore he was brought up with a Person of Honour with great observance which made him capable of mighty deeds in Arms and being famous for several Adventures travelled to a place infested with wilde beasts chiefly a ravenous Dragon whom the Sorcerers pretended so far to inchant as to be for ever satisfied with a virgin Salve fastened to a Rock and fitted for Sacrifice In whose defence George fights on horse-back with his Lance and Sword and by his skill and force kills him this service done he missed not the Merit of his Reward Mariage with the Maid instructed her in Christianity with whom he lived honourably and died sainted for his virtues and valiant acts and by the Kings of England assumed for many Ages in warlike Atchivements of Honour to be their Patron This story not difficult for the Moral which served those times to instruct the ignorant with such Tales to be told to posterity that the Christian Souldier in the warfare of the World meets with Satans temptations which by the grace of God sanctifying are overcome and in particular â—escues his own soul bound under the chains of sin to be devoured of the Devil and which being redeemed by the merits of Christ is maried to Him in faith and becomes an eternal Saint in Heaven Whether this Saint and his story with others were invented to cousen men these Tales wrought much with valiant men at Arms Valour swels when set out by Examples of Extremes and oft times goes beyond her self in her atchivements conceit sometimes does things above conceit especially when the imagination apprehends them founded in Religion It is said by Matthew Paris in Gulielmo secundo pag. 57. that St George appeared in the air with an Army of white Horses fighting for the English at Antioch against the Turk But to say there was no such Saint and to change all literal sense into an Allegory of Christ and his Church yet it may seem more improbable that our English Nation amongst so many Saints that were would chuse one to be their Patron that was not at all especially seeing the World in that Age had rather a glut than a famine of Saints The intent of those times was pious to gain credit and to convert to Christianity but then so to prosecute it as the Papists still continue to do must be condemned thinking to grace the Gospel by such absurdities for Heaven has a Pillory to punish fraus pia her self and indeed better to leave Religion to her native plainness than to deck her with counterfeit dress And there were created at Windsor these Earls Thomas Howard Earl of Suffolk Montjoy Earl of Devonshire and of Barons Egerton Baron Elsmore Russel Baron Thornhall Danvers Lord Danvers Grey Baron Grooby Peters Baron Writtle Harington Baron Eaton which so troubles an Historian as a wonderfull weakness in a King and concludes against his own Argument Nothing more destruction says he to Monarchy than lessening the Nobility But he means increase of number lessens their value and hath not enlarged his reading by knowledg of their condition in other Monarchies Spain France and yet poor enough in those places where Anarchy as yet is not come in Originally within this Kingdom Earldoms of Countreys in the antient English-Saxon Government were Dignities of Honour and Offices of Justice they had Officers under them as Vice-comes or Sheriffs The Earls therefore received Sallary the third penny of the profits of the County of long time after the Conquest and were inserted in their Patents of Creation which afterwards were turned into Pensions Of the single Earls not Palatine there were two kindes subdivided into several Branches either take name of a place or without place those of a place are of two kindes either of a County as the Earl of Devonshire Cornwall Kent c. or else of some place not being a County as of a Town Castle Honour c. of which later sort as antient as the Conquest those of Richmond in Yorkshire Clarence in Suffolk Arundel in Sussex Earldoms without any place are likewise of two kindes either in respect of Office as Earl Marshal of England or by Birth and so are all the Kings Sons and therefore it is a mistake to say They are born but Gentlemen Earls are adorned with a Cap of Honour and a Coronet and the Body with a Robe in resemblance of Counsellours and are girt with a Sword to defend their King and Countrey Cook 17. Part. And are called by the King his Cosins and his Title is afterwards become parcel of his Name and so they sign T. Suffolk Not to speak of Barons by Prescription or Tenure These Barons were made by Patent as others are by Writ to Parliament and these by Writ were devised not before 49. Henry 3. for want of Peers the most of them slain in the Barons Wars Those Barons by Patent began by Richard 2. John Beauchamp being the first and is now limited in descent according to the Habendum for Life or for term of others as Estates in Tail They being thus entered into Nobility have large Privileges as Peers of the Realm Note that there be Lords in Reputation onely by
Origen yet as men they might have failings which made the Apostles themselves to leave them when they left the Hebrew letter A few hundred of years after Christ the Roman Conquests having mastered many Nations East West North and South the Old Testament spake Latine Latini Interpretes nullo `modo numerari possunt too man to be good being all from the Greek which moved Saint Hierom the best Linguist and most learned of his age to translate the Old Testament out of Hebrew into Latine most admirable Thus was it in Greek and Latine before that the faith of Christ was generally embraced in the Roman Empire but afterwards most Nations under Heaven followed their Conversions not by voice onely but by the written Word So then followed Gothick Arabick Beda into Saxon Vallus into French and after two hundred years Charls the Fifth Sur le nome Prudente and Iohn Trevisa about Richard 2. his time into English The Gospels also by many and afterwards we had it in Henry 8. his time in English that all men may say As we have heard so have we seen The Church of Rome of long time would not admit them vulgar in the Mother-tongue of any Nation but onely in Latine untill of late permitted onely to some Professours of Papistry by licence of their Confessor who must be sure to be soured with the Leven of their Superstition And would you think now at this time of Translation that our own Brethren were better content with the ancient English so long say they in use without any more Supervising alteration or quaint perusal To answer them it was said That all ancient Translatours did review their former Works and so got credit even with the Iews as accurately done So did Origen joyned with the Hebrew Original and the Seventyes Translation And Saint Austin exhorted Saint Hierom to a Palinodia or Recantation I am sure the Papists have least cause of offence from us How oft have they altered their Service-books Of late Pius Quintus did so that every several Bishop had a different Officium These were the justifiable Reasons that moved King Iames to command this Translation of such men as might say of themselves with Saint Hierom Et Hebraeum sermonem ex parte didicimus Latinum pene ab ipsis incunabilis Nor was it hastily huddled up as it is said the Seventy did it in seventy days but it was done over and over again the pains of seventy times seventy days out of Originals Hebrew Greek Latine consulting with the Translators Commentators of Chalde Hebrew Syrian Greek Latine nor neglecting the several Translations of all the Nations of Europe untill now that it comes out most perfect The Psalms of David turned into Meeter usually sung in our Churches are the very same done into the Court English then of King Edward 6. days by two or three godly men but not learned who took them from the Latine Translations commonly read in our Liturgy these Psalms the King wished might then receive more proper Language and more congruous with the Text. Himself afterwards versified som so did others very acute and learned such particular Psalms proper to their affections but the whole body was afterwards done by one and the phrase not pleasing some peoples humours who were versed in the old and mostly gotten by heart they could never be admitted publick reception by command to be bound with the Bible If fame hath nor over-spoken our Hierarchy of his time there were not other soils that yielded either so frequent flocks or better fed and went not on more happily in those high steps of true blessedness to save themselves and others in the main helps of tender Pastures and still waters by the one I mean an inuring of the people to the principles of Orthodox Doctrines by the other an immunity from factions and disturbance of the publick peace of the Church It was the Kings observation That partly the miscarriage of our People into Popery and other Errours was their ungroundedness in the points of the Catechism How should such souls be other than turned about with every winde of Doctrine that are not well ballasted with solid informations From whence it was that the King gave publick order for bestowing the later part of the Religious Day in familiar Catechizing It was the ignorance and evil disposedness of our Cavillers that taxed this course as prejudicial to Preaching yet in truth the most usefull is Catechetical this lays the Grounds the other the Walls and Roof this informs the judgment that stirs up the affection What use is there of those affections that run before the judgment or of those Walls that want Foundation And when that was in use I have heard it confessed by some that have spent the greater half of their aged life in the station of Gods holy service they repent nothing so much as not bestowing more hours in this Exercise of Catechism and might justly quarrel their very Sermons and wish the greater part of them had been thus exchanged for this speaking conference Those other divine discourses enrich the brain and the tongue at best this settles the heart these but the descant to the plain song And if herein Ministers be too much curious to satisfie the roving appetite of the tickling ears of curious Auditours their favour will be no better than injurious So may you observe an indiscreet School-master whilest he affects the thanks of an over-weening Parent mar the progress of a forward childe by raising him to an higher Form and Authour ere he have well learned his first Rules Heat of zeal to hear is as natural heat to the body there is no life of Religion without it but as the kindest heat if it be not tempered with a due equality wasts it self and the body too so doth zeal not moderated with discretion It is hard to be too vehement in contending for main and evident truths but litigious and immaterial verities may soon be over-striven for needless seeking a scruple of truth to spend a pound of peace The Church of England in whose motherhood we had just cause to pride our selves hath in much wisdom and piety delivered her judgment of all necessary points in so compleat a body of Divinity as all hearts might rest therein not their truths onely but their sufficiencies the voice of God in holy Scriptures the voice of the Church in her Articles As for her Rules Forms and Dress in Discipline let it be examined whether the Luminaria magna the Bishops were so severe as to introduce antiquated Orders or to impose novel Ceremonies rather did they institute and discontinue some though of use yet superfluous offensive to weak capacities whose judgments could not concoct such fulsom matter though palliated heretofore under lively names of Order and Decency And yet see what Sir Walter Ralegh said then prophetically writing the effects after such Ceremonies should cease The reverend care saith he which
the Romans but they differ Servus with them was of Servando saving not of Serviendo of serving Our Apprentice comes of Apprenti the French Word a Raw Souldier or to learn or of the Latine apprehendo So then sir Tho. Smiths Repub. Angl. does them injury terming them Bondslaves Bondmens bodies were vested in the Lord interminable but only by Manumission and that by the Will of the Lord without any condition in behalf of the slave Servus with the Romans Nullum caput habuit and were reputed civiliter mortui servi pro nullis habiti There was a voluntary bondage de jure gentium as by the Romans a Man might sell himself ad participandum pretium And also de jure divino positivo So the Hebrews Bondmen Yet they had not jus in corpus they could not violate her chastity By our Law only two sorts of Bondmen villains in gross and vilains reguardant to Mannor A Master in London hath not despoticum imperium over his Apprentice but only quasi curaturam a Teacher ut Pater non Tyrannus immoderate Correction looses his Apprentice who is by Statute to be free from him 5. Eliz. But of late our City discipline had more need to be reduced to antient severity than to be abduced from it The final Cause of every Ordination quallifies the course and determines the Means and action tending to it though abstracting from that consideration the work wrought in the proper nature be servile as for a Souldier to dig or carry earth to a Rampire a Student to be bare or a Novice to do servile Offices and so an Apprentice to do does not extinguish Gentry and what ever he does as not sui juris yet he does nothing Servile but propter finem nobilem to God Country and Calling But Apprentices are so far from being bondmen that then they begin habere caput to be aliqui and by degrees to be free then of the Livery and by after degrees become Wardens Masters Common Council Aldermens Deputies Aldermen Sheriffs Lord Maiors And by further merit Counsellours to the King and Lord Treasurers of England and so if it be rashness to cast a scorn upon a renowned Corporation unjustly let it be iniquity to lay it upon London which in the Empire of Great Brittain amongst their other Cities Velut inter ignes Luna Minores And though the Schools and Camp are most proper for Honour and Arms yet the antient wisdome and bounty of Sovereigns left the Gates of honour open to City Arts and honest gain as fundamentals to common-wealths by example of rising Rome under her first Dictators and Consuls By which they avoided Tyrannical appropriation of Gentry to some certain old families as in Germany and the Confusion of allowing hereditary Nobleness or Gentry to none at all as in Turky c. And with us Cotes of Arms and Title of Gentlemen being the most familiar part of Honour Our Adversaries would overturn and tax our policies in that point which being once gotten and given by Merit or Favour cannot be lost or extinguished No man in England looseth his right to bearing Arms or Title of Gentleman unless attainted in Law Jura Sanguinum nullo jure civili devinci possunt Not to be aliened to another no more than to pass away any habit or quality of the Mind Virtue or Learning Queen Elizabeth was descended lineally from Sir Godfrey Bullen Lord Maior of London by Queen Anne Bullen her Mother Sir Martin Calthrope her Kinsman also and Lord Maior of London Citizens of London have been called Barons Hen. 3. Londinenses Quos propter Civitatis Dignitatem civium antiquitatem Barones consueuimus appelare London sends Kinghts and Citizens to the Parliament not Burgesses And sundry of our Sovereigns have daigned to be of their Freedome But the opinion of bondage and extinguishing birth-right of Gentry hath filled England with more Vices and sacrificed more bodies to odious ends and more souls to sinful life than perhaps any other uncivil opinion whatsoever Holding it better to rob than to labour though they dayly see that out of Our Apprenticeships rise such Ministers of Iustice as sit upon Malefactors when they a shame and sorrow to their Kindred undergo a fortune too unworthy the basest of Bondmen May not his Sons fall into the same fate by the Fathers prejudicate opinion So much in honour of truth not interest The Hollanders in these times rich and proud at home increased so mighty in power also in the East Indies that by insenseable Incroachments at first they went on to quarrel particular rights and interests in several places there for sole trading from the English And complaint being sent hither by the Governours of our Factories there A Treaty was demanded by the King and accordingly Commissioners appointed to dispute their differences in London 1613. The next Treaty was at the Hague 1615. The last was at London 1619. And by Amnesty then a Solemn Composition of all differences and Orders were concluded for the future between us and them And in regard of their bloodshed and vast expence in reducing the Trade of the Islands Molucca Banda and Amboyna from the Spaniards and Portugals and their buildings and Forts therefore the Hollanders should enjoy two thirds and the English the other third and the charge of the Forts to be levyed by Taxes and Impositions upon the Merchandize and so were settled in those places The Island of Amboyna lies neer Seran about fourty Leagues in compass and hath relation to other Factories the chief Town called also as the Island Amboyna the Rendevouz for the gatheing and buying of Cloves the chief Commodity the smaller Factories are Hâ—â—â—o Larica Loho and Cambello The Hollanders Forts there are four strong and well manned with two hundred Dutch Souldiers and a Company of free Burgers four hundred Mardikers or free Natives so called And here the English lived in the Town and under protection of the Castle in an House of their own During two years the Dutch very cunningly wasted too much upon their Fortifications and Garrisons and yet drew their Account so chargeable to the English that instead of the third part they contributed two thirds and their complaints were examined by the Counsel of Defence of both Nations residing in Jaccatra in the Island Java Major and they disagreeing the differences were to be sent home to be decided herein by both Companies or by the King and their States according to an Article 1619. But disputes breed delay here and increased jealousies there and in February One thousand six hundred and twenty two A Japoner Souldier discoursing with a Dutch Centinel of the Strength of the Castle was suspected and tortured and confessed sundry of his Countrey-men contrivers with him of surprizing the Castle who were also tortured and one Price an Englishman and Prisoner with them who also accused others of the Factories Captain Towerson Tomson Beomont Collins Webber Ramsey Johnson Farde and Brown and these
opposed by any cunning whatsoever if understood by Her he might not so easily have come to this Crown And truly whether his virtue and goodness more remark in Him than usual in Princes guided him in that to depend onely upon the providence of God for his Birth-right or that his policy under hand wrought him any advantage certainly the Success must crown the Work to admiration For though he might not despise honest and honourable advice in such correspondence as was necessary under hand with the Counsellours of Queen Elizabeth to secure himself for the time to come yet we reade not of any that came to light or so much in her days as private suspition The Reign and Death OF KING IAMES OF Great Britain France and Ireland the First c. SO then in a seasonable conjunction of things and time he succeeded Queen Elizabeth who departted this life on Thursday the 24th of March 1602. at her Manour-house of Richmond early in the morning that day being fatal to Henry 8. and to all his Children dying on Thursdays and her Funerals sumptuously solemnized with all speed in April following The same day the Lords Spiritual and Temporal assembled and having proclamed her Death and the Right and Title of King Iames to succeed her being lineally expressed from Margaret eldest Daughter to Henry 7th and Elizabeth his Wife who was eldest Daughter to Edward 4th and married to James 4th King of Scotland in the year 1503. just a hundred years since who had issue James 5th Father to Mary the First and Mother to this King James the Sixth now 36. years of age and so long King of Scotland Then they poast Letters to the King by the hands of Sir Charls Percy Brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset Son to the Earl of Worcester signifying the Death of their late Sovereign betwixt two and three of the clock that morning And knowing his Right of Succession they have made Proclamation thereof at Westminster White-hall and Cheapside Cross and seeing they remain a Body without a Head they humbly desire his Mâ—jesty to hasten how soon and in what manner he pleaseth And therein complain as in publick that Sir Robert Cary poasted from hence towards your Majesty contrary to their consent and command thereby as much as in him lay to prevent and anticipate their duty and respect They acquaint the King of a fleet of ten ships royall ready furnished for the Coast of Spain under Command of Sir Richard Lawson whose Commission noâ— ceasing by the Queens death they desire his Majesties pleasure whether they shall guard the Narrow Seas or be câ—lled to the Coast of Scotland as a Convey for the Kings use Dated in London And therefore Robert Leigh Maior Signed first But as in this letter so it goes in Common report that Cary let out by his father Hunsdon Lord Chamberlain came first to the King upon his own score But secretary Cecills secret Packquets went before him or these letters or else he had little credit in his own Commands The King communicates these letters to his Lords and returns them his acknowledgment of their dutifull affections He confirms for the present all Offices Civil Martial as at the Queens death til his farther pleasure Dated the 28. and 31. of March which the Lords heer proclaim the 5. of April after And though the King sets forth his interest of succession commanding both Nations in unity of duty to him and brotherly affection to each other yet did the Scots Borderers make Inrodes into England which was severely punished and all for Example executed to death The King orders his Journey the 5. of April the Queen to follow 20. daâ—es after Prince Henry Duke Charles and Princess Elizabeth at further pleasure Brings with him those of the greatest birth and most interest in the blood royall who though farr enough off to follow after his Numerous issue of a teeming fruitfull Consort yet too neer to be trusted at home And each one of them begat trouble and charge upon him ever after to reward or to raise them up beyond any desert in both he was wisely regarding Those were Lenox Hamelton Arguile Mar Kinloss and Lord Hewm and a couple of Knights Sir George Hewâ— and Sir Iohn Ramsey of neer affection with the King So it became his future security advantage to caress those that ushered him in and had underhand merited somewhat from former very late advise and Intelligence how to correspond with his jealous Predecessor we may conceive those then in being for most of the old Ones out-liv'd not that their policie were the Howards and Percies and Caecils The first of them of high birth and former merit the Linage of the late Duke of Norfolk who suffered under the Axe for his affection to this Kings Mother as aforesaid anno 1569. And his brother Henry Howard with the Lord Cobham were the first of Eminencie that met the King at Barwick The last of great wisdom and experience for the Kings urgent affairs to make proper use of And at York Thomas Cecil Lord Burghley President of the North receives him who comes on with his Train and needed no other Guard than the affections of the People that hurried him forward with Excessive Acclamations soon forgetting as the manner of the Multitude their late Sovereign in the hope of a likelyer change in a King with which for many years this Nation had been really unacquainted And so was He feasted by the way freely at each Residence of his Person where he lodged untill he came unto Godmanchester in the Country of Northampton where they presented him with 70. Teem of Horses fairly traced unto as many new Ploughs in honor of Tillage A Custome very antient when their Sovereigns pass that Town being his Tenants and holding their land by that Tenure The King told them He liked their ayre so well and took their gift so kindly as but for undoing such good people in their bounty to visit them often which afterwards he performed that Custome being but for the first time to the comfort of that Town and County At Broxborn his next Gest there met him the gravity of the greatest Officers Egerton Lord Chancellor Buckhurst Lord Treasurer Howard Lord Admiral with the most of the Council and Nobility At Ware the King came to Wiggen heretofore so base a Cottage as begat a saying If a Man would answer the Asker as in despair That it should be granted when as the King comes to Wiggen And at Theobalds the seat of Sir Robert Cecil Secretary of State he stayes for four dayes Entertainment where were made of his Council these Scotish Lords Lenox Mar Hewâ— Elphington and Kinloss And of English Henry Howard and his Nephew Thomas Howard brother and sonne to the late Duke of Norfolk and 28. Knights-Bachelors dubbed The Name Knight is from
Knecht a German word an Institution of dignity by that Noble and ancient Nation Tacitus saies the manner was not for any to take Arms before the State allowed him sufficient and then some one of the Princes or the father of the young-man termed Knecht furnished him with a Shield and a Javeline as the Romans did virili toga the first honor done to youth and afterwards members of the Common-weal This being the first and simple manner of Creation they were afterwards styled Bachelour Knights Baccalarius quia olim coronabantur lauro cum baccis Vel potius quia Bedellus ipsis aureum baculum exâ—ibebat cum ad concilia irent Vnde primus gradus in professione scientiarum est Baccalauri secundus Licentiati ultimus doctores Indeed as he is so Baccalaureus or Batalareus dicitur is Miles qui jam semel praelio sive Bataliae interfuit collatis signis et manum cum hoste conseruit And thus for the Name Their dignity was from serving on Horse-back so the Italian call them Cavaileiri the French chivalier the Germanes Roisters all of riding the Latines equites aurati for properly being created with sword and girdle guilt spurs were added for more necessary Ornament The original dignity was given to Marshall men but since in all Nations it is bestowed on men of peace and merit the better in civile policie to level the service at home with that abroad Tullie sayes Parva sunt foris arma nisi est consilium domi And of late his dignity is called dubbed because the man kneels down and the Sovereign lightly layes a sword upon his shoulder saying sois chevalier nome de dieu and afterwards he sayes Avances chevalier It seems to be done as it were upon the sodain in the field and thereupon are called in our Law Miles a militia But the King may do it by Patent And though the first in Title by Institution yet are they the last in degree of honor which dies with them There had been anciently another degree of Knight-hood made by the General under the Kings standard in the field called Banneret but he was â—eacefull and so none of them were made in his time See after Knights Baronets and Knights of the Garter Being come to London his first Reception was at the Charter-house the then Habitation of Thomas Howard lately made Lord Chamberlain for four dayes where 80. Gentlemen were Knighted from thence in private to White-Hall and then by water to the Tower of London the 11. of May 1603. During his Journey hither prisoners were set at liberty out of the Tower and amongst others Accessaries to Essex Treason was Henry Wriothsly the third Earl of Southampton made Barons by Henry the eighth and Earls by Edward the sixth And this man by King Iames made afterwards Knight of the Garter a Privy Counsellor and Captain of the Isle of Wight Thomas his son now Earl of Southampton 1654. Heer at the Tower He creates divers Barons Sir Robert Caecil Baron of Essenden Sidny of Peshnurst Lord Knowles of Grayes Lord Wotton of Morley And dubbs eleven Knights The King had knowledg of the death of Iames Beaton in France Arch-Bishop of Glascow he had been consecrate Bishop at Rome 1552. and not induring the reformation of the Church forsook Scotland and conveyed with him to France all the evidences of that See of Glascow the Ornaments and Reliques of that Church the Image of Christ in beaten gold and of the Apostles in silver not over large you may believe And being there Queen Mary setled her Lieger Ambassadour when she returned to Scotland And so continued untill the Government of the Regents who deprived him whom the King afterwards restores and imployes him in Ambassies to France being wise and faithfull to his Mother He by Will leaves all to pious uses for benefit of Scotish-men Scholars and consigned the Utensils of Glasgow into the hands of the Carthusians of Paris untill Glasgow becomes Romish Iohn Spotswood at the Kings elbow was soon preferred thither and sent with the Lords to fetch the Queen But she resolved to bring the Prince along with her self and being refused by the friends of the Earl of Mar til order from the King incensed her into a sickness and to recover her the King humoured her willfulness and sent home the Earl of Mar from England to present her with her son but continues her anger to be debarred her desire by such a subject whom mortally she hated as you have heard heretofore and though the King sought to sweeten her with his letters That he ascribed his peacable reception in England unto his wisdom and late Negotiation The Queen in fury replyed That she had rather never see England than be beholding to him Whether in Malice or other defign It was remarkable Her studious intent to seize the Prince to her self And so she set forward with him and the Princess Elizabeth who by the way was left to the Government of the Lord Harrington But Charles Duke of York an Infant and sickly came not til next year after The Earl of Rutland was sent in Commission to the King of Denmark to present him with the honor of the Garter and to Baptize his first son And Sir Henry Wootton Lieger to Venice He was called from his private travels at Venice formerly known to the King an Emissary from the Duke of Tuscane into Scotland to forwarn him of a Treason against his Person And was now sent again thither Leonardo Donato being then Duke with whom and the Pope Paul the first hapened two Contests For restraint of Lay Persons donatives unto Church-men of lands or goods without License for so becoming Ecclesiastick they were exempt from taxes The other was The imprisoning an unchast Abbot and a Canon being conceived a diminution of the Papal Power who therefore excommunicates the whole Republick They fly to King Iames by their own Ambassadour here and by Messengers and Letters disputing their priviledges with the Popes power which was thus weakened by exceeding it and so they obtained Absolution with much adoe but not untill the report was that the whole Senate would turn Protestants Wootton continued at Venice near twenty years with some Returns and Messages extraordinary this Donato being the fourscore and eleventh Duke of Venice successively from Anno 697. having been a Republick long before and governed by Tribunes In Iuly was solemnly performed the Rites of St George at Windsor where were installed these Knights of the Garter the Prince Henry Duke of Lenox Earl of Southampton Earl of Mar Earl of Pembroke This most honourable Order of the Garter was instituted by Edward the third after he had obtained many great Victories K. Iohn of France K. Iames of Scotland being then Prisoners in the Tower of London and King Henry of Castile the Bastard expulst and Don Piedro restored by the Prince of Wales called The black