pretended that he was chosen before byâ— K. Edw. the Confessour that the Realm had given their consent thereunto that K. E. left the same testified in his last will testament an 1066. and albeit none of our English Authors do avow the same cleerly yet do many other forrain Writers hold it it seemeth very probable that some such thing had past both for that D. William had many in England that did favour his pretence at his entrance as also as Girard in his French story saith that at his first comming to London he punished divers by name for thâ—t they had broken their oaths and promises in that behalf Gir l. 6. â—n 1065. And moreover it appeareth that by alledging this title of election he moved divers Princes abroad to favour him in that action as in a just quarrel which is not like they would have done if he had pretended only a conquest or his title of sanguinity which could bee of no importance in the world for that effect seeing it was no other but that his Grandfather and King Edwards mother were brother and sister which could give him no pretence at all to the succession of the crowne by blood and yet we see that divers Princes did assist him and among others the French chronicles Girard so often named before writeth Chron. Cassin l. â— cap. â—4 that Alexander the second pope of Rome whose holinesse was so much esteemed in those daies as one constanâ—inus After wrote a booke of his miracles being informed by Duke William of the justnesse of his pretence did send him his benediction and a prâ—cious ring of â—od with a hollowed banner by which hee gett the victory thus writeth Girard in his French Chronicles and Antonius Archbishop of Florence surnamed Antoninus â—art 2 Chron. â—it 16. cap. 5. s 1. Sainct writing of this matter in his chronicles speaketh great good of vvilliam conqueror commendeth his enterprise But howsoever this was the victory we see he get and God prospered his pretence and hath confirmed his of-spring in the Crown of England more then 500 yeares together so as now accâ—unting from the death of King Edmond I consider unto this man we shall find as before I have said in lesse then 5â— yeares that 5. or 6 Kings were made in Engâ—and one after another by only authority and approbatiâ—n of the â—ommon wealth contrary to the ordinary course of ineall succession by propinquity of bloâ—d And al this is before the conquest but it we should passe any further down we should find more eâ—amples then before For first the two sonnes of the Conquerour himselfe that succeeded after him to wit William Rufus and Henry the first were they not both younger brothers to Robert Duâ—e of Normandie to whâ—m the most part of the realme was inclined as Polydor saith Polyd. in vita Gul. Conq. to have given the kingdome presently after the Conquerors death as due to him by succession notwithstanding that Wâ—illiam for perticular displeasure against his elder sonne and had ordeinâ—d the contrary in his testament But that Robert being absent in the War of Hierusalem the holy and learned man Lanfranke as he was accompted then Archbishop of Canterbury being deceived with vain hope of William Rufus An. 107 good nature perswaded thâ—m the contrâ—ry who was at that day of high estimation and authority in England and so might induâ—e the realme to do what he liked By like meanes gat Henry his younger brother the same crown afterwards to wit by fair prâ—mises to the peopâ—e and by help principally of Henry Newborow â—arle of Warwick that dealth with the nobility for him and Maurice Bishop of London with the cleargie for that Ansâ—lme Arch bishop of Canâ—erbury was in baâ—nishment Besides this also it did greatly helpe his cause that his elder brother Robert to whom the Crowne by reign appetteined was absent again this second time in the vvarre of Ierusalem and so lost thereby his Kingdome as before Henry having no ther title in the world unto it but by election and admission of the people which yet he so desended afterwards against his said brother Robert that came to claim it by the sword and God did so prosper him theâ— rein as he took his said elder brother prisoner and so kept him for many yeares untill he died in prison most pitifully But this King Henry dying left daughter behind him named Mawde or Mathilde which being married first to the Emperour Henry the fist he dyed witâ—out issue and then was shee married againe the second time to Geffry Pantageâ—t 〈◊〉 of Earle of Anjow in France to whom she bare a sonne named Henry which this King Henry his grand father caused to be declared for heire apparent to the Crowne in his daies buâ— yet after his disceasse for that Stephen Earl of Bollogne born of Adela daughter to William the Conquerour was thought by the state of England to be more 〈◊〉 to governe and to defend the land for that he was at mans age then was Prince Henry a child or Maâ—de â—is mother he was admitted and Henry put backe and this chiefly at the perswasion of Henry Bishâ—p of Wincheâ—â—er brother to the said Stephen as also by the sollicitation of the Abbot of Glastâ—nbury and â—thers who thought be like they might do the same with good conscience for the good of the realm though the evenâ— proved not so well for that it drew all England into factions and divisions for avoyding and ending whereof the states â—â—me years after in a Parliament at vval ingford made a agreement that Stephen should be lawfull King during his life only and that Henry and his of-spring should succeed him and that prince vvilliam King Stephens sonne should be deprived of his succession to the crowne and made onely Earle of Norfolke thus did the statâ— dispose of the crown at that time which was in the yeare of Christ 1153. To â—his Henry succeded by order his oldest sonne then living named Richard and surnamed Cordelton for his Valour but after him againe his succession was broken For that Iohn King Henries youngest sonne 〈◊〉 youuger brother to Richard whom his father the King had left so unprovided as in jest he was calâ—ed by the French Iean sens terre as if you wouâ—d say Sir Iohn lacke-land this man I say was after the death of his brother admitted and crowned by the states of England and Arthur Duke of Brittaine sonne and heir to Geffry that was elder brother to Iohn was against the order of succession excluded â—nd albeit this Arthur did seeke to remedy the matter by warr yet it seemed that God did more defend this election of the Common wealth then the right title of Arthur by succession for that Arthur was over-come and taâ—en by King Iohn though he had the King of Francâ— on his side anb he died pitifully in prison or rather as most authors do hoâ—d he was put to death by King Iohn
Authority they have great limitation neither can they do any thing of great moment without the consent of certain principal men called Palatines or Castellians neither may their children or next of Bloud succeed except they be chosen as in the Empire Herbert l. 9. Hist Pol. Cromerus l. 3. Hist Polon In Spain France and England the priviledges of Kings are farre more eminent in both these points for that both their Authority is much more absolute and their next in Bloud do ordinarily succeed but yet in different manner for as touching authority it seemeth that the Kings of Spain and France have greater than the King of England for that every ordination of these two Kings is Law in it selfe without further approbation of the Common-wealth which holdeth not in England where no general Law can be made without consent of Parliament but in the other point of Succession it appeareth that the restraint is farre greater in those other two Countries than in England for that in Spain the next in Bloud cannot succeed be he never so lawfully descended but by a new approbation of the Nobility and States of the Realme as it is expresly set down in the two ancient Councels of Tolledo the fourth and fifth Concil blet 4. c. 74. coneil s c. 3. In confirmation whereof we see at this day that the King of Spain's own son cannot succeed nor be called Prince except he be first sworne by the said Nobility and States in token of their new consent and so we have seen it practised in our dayes towards three or four of king Philips children which have succeeded the one after the other in the Title of Princes of Spain and at every change a new Oath required at the Subjects hands for their admission to the said Dignity which is not used in the Kings children of France or England In France the World knoweth how Women are not admitted to succeed in the Crown be they never so near in Bloud neither any of their Issue though it be Male for which cause I doubt not but you remember how King Edward the third of England though he were son and heir unto a daughter of France whose three brethren were kings and left her sole heir to her father king Philip the fourth sirnamed the Fair yet was he put by the Crown Anne 1340. Anil hist Franc. l. 2. Gerard. du Haylan l. 14. hist Franc. as also was the king of Navar at the same time who was son and heir unto this womans eldest brothers daughter named Lewis Huttin king of France which king of Navâ—r thereby seemed also to be before king Edward of England but yet were they both put by it and Philip de Vallois a brothers son of Philip the fair was preferred to it by general decree of the States of France and by verdict of the whole Parliament of Paris gathered about the same affaires Franc. Belfor l. 5. c. 1. Anno 1327. Neither did it avail that the two kings aforesaid alleadged that it was against reason and conscience and custome of all Nations to exclude women from the Succession of the Crown which appertained unto them by propinquity of Bloud seeing both Nature and God hath made them capable of such Succession every where as it appeareth by example of all other Nations and in the old Testament among the people of God it selfe where we see Women have been admitted unto kingdomes by succession but all this I say prevailed not with the French as it did not also since for the admission of Dona Isabella Eugenia Clara Infanta of Spain unto the said Crown of France though by dissent of Bloud there be no question of her next propinquity for that she was the eldest childe of the king's eldest sister The like exclusion was then made against the prince of Lorain though he was a man and nephew to the king for that his Title was by a Woman to wit his mother that was younger sister unto king Henry of France And albeit the Law called Salica by the French-men by vertue whereof they pretend to exclude the Succession of Women be no very ancient Law as the French themselves do confesse and much lesse made by Pharamond their first king or in those ancient times as others without ground do affirme Gerard. du Hail l. 13. hist Fraâ—c Anno 1317. l. 14. Anno 1328 l. 3. de l'Estat defrunce Yet do we see that it is sufficient to binde all Princes and Subjects of that Realme to observe the same and to alter the course of natural Discent and nearnesse of Bloud as we have seen and that the king of Navar and some others of his race by vertue of this onely Law did pretend to be next in Succession to this goodly Crown though in nearnesse of Bloud they were farther off by many degrees from king Henry the third than either the foresaid Infanta of Spain or the prince of Lorain who were children of his own sisters which point yet in England were great disorder and would not be suffered for that our Lawes are otherwise and who made these Lawes but the Common-wealth it selfe By all which we see that divers Kingdomes have divers lawes and customes in the matter of succession and that it is not enough for a man to alleage bare propinquity of blood thereby to prevaile for that he may be excluded or put back by divers other circumstances for sundry other reasons which afterward we shall discusse Yea not onely in this point hath the common-wealth authority to put back the next inheritors upon lawfull considerations but also to dispossesse them that have bin lawfully put in possession if they fulfill not the lawes and conditions by which and for which their dignitie was given them Which point as it cannot serve for wicked men to be troublesome unto their Governours for their own interests or appetites so yet when it is done upon just and urgent causes and by publique authority of the whole body the justice thereof is playne not onely by the grounds and reasons before alleaged but also by those examples of the Romans and Grecians already mentioned who lawfully deposed their Kings upon just considerations and changed also their Monarchie and Kingly Government into other forme of regiment And it might be proved also by examples of all other nations and this perhaps with a circumstance which every man considereth not to wit That God hath wonderfully concurred for the most part with such juditiall acts of the common-Wealth against their evill Princes not onely in prospering the same but by giving them also commonly some notable successor in place of the deposed thereby hath to justify the fact and to remedy the fault of him that went before I am far from the opinion of those people of our dayes or of old who make so little account of their duty towards Princes as be their title what it will yet for every mislike of their owne they are ready to band
crown of whose election Morales writeth these words Muerto el Rey Don Alonso el casto fue eligido por los perlados grandes del reyno l Rey Don Ramiro primero deste nombre hyo del Rey Don vermudo el diacono Mor. c. 11. That is the K. Don Alonso the chaste being dead there was chosen K. by the Prelats Nobility of the Realm Don Ramiro the first of this name Son of K Vermudo the Deacon who resigned his crown to Don Alonso and it is to be noted thâ—t albeit this Don Ramâ—ro was next in bloud to the succession after the death of his uncle Don Alonso without children yet was hee chosen by the States as here it is said in expresse words Moreover it is to be noted that albeit this Author Ambrosio Morales other Spanish Writers do say that in the time of this K Ramiro the law of succession by propinquity in blond was so revived strongly confirmed that as the kingdom of Spain was made as Majorasgo as he termeth it which is an inheritance so intailed and tyed only to the next bloud as there is no possibility â—o alter the same and that from this time forward the King always caused his eldest Son to be named King or Prince so ever to be sworn by the Realm and Nobility yet shall we find this Ordinance and succession oftentimes to have been broken upon severall considerations as this Author himself in that very chapter confesseth As for example after four discents from this man which were Don Ordonio the 1. this mans Son and Don Alonso the 3. Don Garzia and Don Ordonio the second all four Kings by orderly succession it hapned that in the yeer of Christ 924. Don Ordonio the second dying left four Sons and one daughter lawfully begotten and yet the State of Spain displaced them all and gave the kingdom to their Uncle Don Fruela second brother to their Father Don Ordonio and Morales saith Mor. l. 16. cap. 1. an 924. â—hat there appeareth no other reason hereof but only for that these Sons of the King deceased were young and not so apt to govern well the Realm as their uncle was But after a yeers Reign this King Fruela dyed also left divers children at mans estate then did the Spaniards as much against them as they had done for him before against the children of his elder brother For they put them all by the crown and chose for their King Don Alonso the 4 which was eldest Son to Don Ordonio the 2. beâ—ore named that had been last King saving one and this man also I mean Don Alonso the 4 leaving afterward his Kingdom betaking himself to a religious habit offered to the Commonâ—welth of Spain his eldest Son lawfully begotten named Don Ordonio to be their King but they refused him and tooke his Brother I meane this Kings Brother Uncle to the young Prince named Don Ramiro Moral lib. 19. cap. 20. An. 930. who reigned 19 yeers was a most excellent King gained Madrid from the Moors though noted of cruelty for imprisoning and pulling out the eyes afterward of this King Don Alonso the 4. and all his children nephewes for that hee would have left his habit returned to be King again But this fact my auâ—hor Morales excuseth saying that it was requisit for pcace safety of the Realm so as here you see two manifest alterations of lineal succession together by order of the Common-welth Furthermore after this noble King Don Ramiro the 2. succeeded as heire apparent to the Crown his elder Son Don Ordonio the 3. of his name in the yeer of our Savior 950. but this succession endured no longer then unto his own death which was after 7 yeers for then albeit he left a Son named el enfante Don Vermudo yet he was not admitted but rather his brother Don Sancho the first of his name surnamed el Gordo who was Uncle to the young Prince and the reason of this alteration Morales giveth in these words el succeder en el regno al hermano fue por la racon ordinaria de ser el enfante Don Vermudo nino y no bastante para â—l goviernoy difenca de la terra Mor. l. 16. c. 29. An. 950. which is the cause why the Kings brother not his Son succeeded in the Crown was for the ordinary reason so often before alledged for that the Infant or young Prince Vermudo was a litle child not sufficient for Government and defence of the Country Truth it is that after this Don Sancho had reigned his son heir named Don Ramiro the 3. after him for the space of 30. yeers in all Mor. l. 17. c. 1 2 3 4. Then was this youth Don Vermudo that is now put back called by the relm to the succession of the Crown made King by the name of King Vermudo the 2. who left after him Don Alonso the 5. he again his Son Don Vermudo the 3. who marying his sister Dona Sancha that was his heir unto Don Fernando first Earle then King of Castile who was second Son to Don Sancho Mayor K ing of Navarras before hath been said he jâ—yned by these means the Kingdoms of Leon Castile together which were separate before so ended the line of Don Pelayo first Christâ—n King of Spain after the entrance of the Moors which had endured now 300. yeers the bloud of Navar entred as you see so continued therein untill the entrance of â—â—ose of Auâ—tria as before hath been said which was almost 500. yeers together And thus much I thought good to note out of the stories of Spain for this first discent of the Spanish Kings after the entrance of the Moors neither mean I to passe much further both for that it would be over long as also for that mine Author Morales who is the most diligent that hath written the Chronicles of that Nation endeth here his story with King Vermudo the 3. last of the Gotish bloud Notwithstanding if I would go on further there would not want divers evident examples also to the same purpose which Stephen Garabay another Chronicler of Spain doth touch in the continuation of this story weereof for examples sake only I will name 2 or 3 among the rest And first about the yeer of Christ 1021. there was a marriage made by K Iohn of England for Dona Blancha his Neece that is to say the daughter of his sister Dame Elâ—nor of Don Alonso the 9. of that name King Queen of Spain which Blancha was to marry the Prince of France named Luis son heir to K. Philip surnamed Augustus which Luis was afterward K. of France by the name of Luis the 8. was Father to Luis the 9. surnamed the Saint Car. lib. 11. c. 12. This Lady Blancha was Neece as I have said unto K. Iohn to K. Richard the â— of England for
that her Mother Lady Elenor was their sister daughter to K. Henry the 2. and K. Iohn made this mariage therby to make peace with the French was content to give for her dowry for that he could not tell how to recover them again all those Townes Countries which the said K. Phil. had taken upon the English by this Kings evill Government in Normandy Gascoyn and moreover promise was made that if P. Henry of Spain that was the only brother to the said Lady Blanch should dye without issue as after he did then this Lady should succeed in the Crown of Spain also but yet afterward the State of Spain would not perform this but rather admitted her younger sister Dona Berenguela maryed to the Prince of Leon and excluded both Blanch her son the King S Luis of France against the evident right of succession propinquity of bloud the only reason they yeelded hereof was not to admit strangers to the Crown as Garabay testifieth This hapned then I do note by the way that this Dona Berenguela second daughter of Q. Elenor the English woman was maried as hath bin said to the Prince of Leon had by him Don Fernando the 3. of that name K of Castilia surnamed also the Saint so as the two daughters of an English Queen had two Kings Saints for their Sons at one time the elder of France the yonger of Spain After this again about 60 yeers the Prince of Spain named Don Alonso surnamed de la cerda for that he was borne with a great gristle haire on his breast called cerda in Spanish which Don Alonso was Nephew â—o the King Fernando the Saint marryed with the daughter of S. Lewis K. of France named also Blancha as her grand mother was had by her two sons called Alonso Hernando de la cerda as the Prince their Father was named which Father of theirs dying before the King the Grand father left them commended to the Realm as lawful heire apparent to the crowne yet for that a certain Uncle of theirs named Don Saâ—cho younger brother to their father which Don Sancho was surnamed afterward el bravâ— for his valour and was a great Warrier and more like to manage wel the matters of war then they he was made heir apparent of Spain add hey putbâ—ck in their Grandfaâ—hers time and by his and the Realms consent their Father as I have said being dead and this was done at a generall Parliament holden at Segovia in the yeer 1276. and after this Don Sancho was made King in the yeer 1284 the two Princes put into prison but afterward at the suit of their Uncle King Philip the 3 of France they were let out again endued with certain lands so they remain unto this day and of these do come the Dukes of Medina Celi all the rest of the houâ—e of Cerda which are of much Nobility in Spain at this time K. Philip that reigneth cometh of Don Sancho the yonger Brother Not long after this again when Don Pedro surnamed the cruel King of Castile was driven cut his bastard brother H 2. set up in his place the Duke of Lancaster John of Gant Gar. l. 15. c. 1. an 1363. having maried Dona Constantia the said King Padroes daughter and heir pretended by succession the saidâ— Crowne of Castile as indeed it appertâ—ined unto him but yet the State of Spain denyed it flatly and defended it by arms they prevailed against John of Gant as did also the race of H the Bâ—stard against his lawfull brother the race of Don Sancho the uncle against his lawfull nephews that of Dona Berenguela against her elder sister all which races do reign unto this day these three changes of the true line hapned within two ages and in the third and principall discent of the Spanish Kings when this matter of suceession was most assuredly perfectly established yet who will deny but that the Kings of Spain who hold by the latter titles at this day be true lawfull Kings Well one example will I give you more out of the kingdom of Portugal so will I make an end with there countries This king Henry the bastard last named 〈◊〉 Spain had a son that succeeded him in the crown of Spain named Iohn the 1 who marryed the daughter heâ—r named Dona Beatrix of k Fernando the 1. of Portugal but yet after the death of the said k. Fernando the States of Portugall would never agree to admit him for their King for not subjecting themselvs by that means to the Castilians for that cause they rather took for their king a bastard brother of the said late k. Don Fernando whose name was Dondulan a youth of 20 yeers old who had bin Master of a military order in Portugal named de Avis so they excluded Dona Beâ—trâ—x Q. of Cast l. that was their lawfull heire chose this young man marryed him afterwards to the Lady Philip daâ—ghter of Iohn of Gaunt D. of Lancaster by hâ—s first wife Blanch Duches heir of Lancaster in whose right the kings of Portugall their discendents do pretend unto this day a certain interest to the house of Lancaster Hereby we see what an ordinary matter in hath been in Spain Portugall to alter the line of next succession upon any reasonable consideration which they imagned to be for their weal publike and the like we shall find in France and England The eighth Speech AS concerning the state of France although since the entrance of their first king Pharaniond with his Franks out of Germany which was about â—he yeere of Christ 419. they have never had any stranger come to wear their crown which they attribute to their law Salike that forbiddeth women to reign ye among themselves have they changed twise their whole race linage of kings once in the entrance of k. Pepin that put out the line of Pharamond about the yeer 751. again in the promotion of k. Hugo Capetus that put out the line of Pepin in the yeer 983. so as they have had 3 discents races of Kings as well as the Spaniards the first of Pharamond the 2. of Pepin and the 3. of Capetus which endureth to this present if it be not altered now by the exclusion that divers pretend to make of the King of Navar and other Princes of the bloud Royall of the house of Burbon I will here set pâ—sse the first rank of all of the French Kings for that some men say perhaps that the common wealth and law of succession was not so well setled in those days as it hath been afterward in time of k. Pepin Charles the great and their discendantaâ— as also for that it were in very deed over edious to examine and peruse all three ranks or kings in France as you will say when you shall see what store I have
Odo for recompence the state of Aquitain with Title of a Duke wherwith in fine he contented himself seeing that he could get no more But yet his Posterity by vertue of this election pretended ever after a Title to the Crown of France and never left it of untill at length by Hugo Capetus they got it for Hugh descended of this King and Duke Odo This K. Charls then surnamed the simple and English womans Son being thus admitted to the crown of France he took to wife an English woman named Elgina or Ogin daughter of K. Edward the elder by whom he had a Son named Lewis and himself being a simple man was allured to go to the castle of eron in Picardy where he was made prisoner and forced to resign his kingdom unto Ralph K. of Burgâ—ndy an 927. and soon after he dyed through misery in the same castle his Q. Ogin fled inâ—o England where with her litlâ— son Lewis unto her uncle K. Adelstan as Q. Adeltrude had done before with her son unto K. Alâ—red and one of the chief in this action for putting downe of the simple was Count Hugh surnamed the Great E. of Paris Father unto Hugo Capetus which after was King But this new K Ralph lived but 3 yeers after and then the States of France considering the right title of Lewis the lawfull child of K. Charles the simple which Lewis was commonly called now in France by the name of d'Outremer that is beyond the Sea for that he had been brought up in England the said States being also greatly and continually sollicited hereunto by the Ambassadors of K. Adâ—lston of England and by Wil. Dâ—ke of Normandy surnamed long Speer great Grandfather to Wil. the Conquerour who by the K. of England was gained also to be of the young Princes part for these considerations I say they resolved to call him inte France out of England as his Father had bin before him and to admit crown him King and so they did and he reigned 27 yeers and was a good Prince and dyed peaceably in his bed the yeer of Christ 945. This K. Lewis of d'Outremer left two sons behind him the eldest was called Lothair the 1. who succeeded him in the crown of France and the 2. was named Charles whom he made Duke of Lorrain Luthaire dying left one onely son named Lewis as his Grandfathee was who was named K of France by the name of Lewis the 7. and dying without issue after two yeers that he had reigned the crown was to haye gone by lineall succession unto his Uncle Charles Duke of Lorrain second Son to Lewis d'Oâ—tremer as is evident but the States of France did put him by it for mislike they had of his person and did chuse Hugo Capetus Earl of Paris and so ended the second line of Pepin and of Charles the Great and entree the race of Hugo Capetus which endureth untill this day and the French stories do say that this surname Capet was given to him when he was a boy for that he was wont to snatch away his Fellowes caps from their heads whereof he was termed snaâ—châ—cap which some do interpret to be an abodement that he should snatch also a crown from the true owners head in time as afteward we see it fell out though yet he had it by election and approbation of the Common wealth And in this respect all the French Chroniclers who otherwise are most earnest defenders of their law of suceession do justifie this title of Hugo Capetus against Charls for which cause Frances Belforest doth alleadge the saying of W. Naugus an ancient diligent chronicler of the Abby of S. Denis in France who defendeth K. Capetus in thesâ— words We may not grant in any case that Hugh Capet may be esteemed an invador or usuroer of the crown of France se 〈◊〉 the Lords Prelats Princes Governours of the Realm did cail him to this dignity and chose him for their King and Soveraigne Lord upon which words Belforest saith as followeth I have laid before oon the words and censure of this good religious man for that they seem to me to touch the quick For in very truth we cannot by any other meanes defend the Title of Hugh Capet from usurpation and fellony then to justifie his coming to the crown by the cosent will of the Common wealth and in this I may well excuse me from inconstancy and contradiction to my self that have so earnestly defended succession before for he that will consider how add what conditions I defended that shall easily see also that I am not here contrary to the same I think it not amisse also to put down here some part of the oration or speech which the Ambassador that was sent at that time from the State of France unto Charles of Lorrain after their election of Hugh Capet Charls exclusion did use unto him in their names which Speech Girard doth reconnt in these words Gir. l. 6. an 988. Every man knoweth Lord Charles that the sucaession â—o the crown and realme of France according to the ordinary Lawes and rights of the same belongeth unto you and not unto Hugh Capet now our King but yet the very same laws which do give unto you this right of succession do judg you also unworthy of the same for that you have not endevored hitherto to frame your life and mâ—â—ers according to the prescript of those laws nor according to your use custom of your country of France but rather have allied your self with the German Nation â—ur old enemies and have acquainted your self with their vile base manners wherâ—ore seeing you have forsaken abandoned the ancient vertue sweetnes amity of the French we have also abandoned left you have chosen Hngh Capet for our King have put you back and this without any scruple or prejudice of our consciences at all esteeming it far better more just to live under Hugh Capet the present Possessour of the crown with enjoying the ancient use of our laws customs priviledges liberties then under you the inheritour by neernesse of bloud in oppressing strange customs cruelty For even as those which are to make a voyage in a ship upon a dangerous Sea do not so much respect whether the Pylot which is to guide the stern be owner of the ship or no but rather whether he be skilfull valiant like to bring them in safety to their ways end or to drown them among the waves even so our principall care is that we have a good Prince to lead and guide us happily in this way of civill politike life which is the end why Princes were appointed for that this man is fitter to be our King This message did the States of France send to Charles of Lorrain in defence of their doings with this he lost his succession for ever afterwards his life also in prison the Frenchmen thought
Government and so placed as hath been said is under no law or restraint at all of his authority but that himselfe only is the quick and living law and that no limitation can be given unto him by any power under heaven except it be by his own will and that no Nation or Common-wealth can appoint or prescribe how they will obey or how their Prince shall govern them but must leave his authority free from all bands of law and this either Willingly or by violence is to be procured By which words it seemeth that he painteth out a perfect patterne of a tyrannicall Government which how it did further the King of Navar I do not know His other proposition is Apolog. pro Rege Cap. 20. That albeit the heire apparant which is next by birth to any Crown should be never so impotent or unfit to Govern as if for examples sake he should be deprived of his sences mad furious lunatique a fool or the like or that he should be known on the other side to be most malicious wicked vitious or abominable or should degenerate into a very beast yea if it were known that he should goe about to destroy the Common Wealth and drowne the ship which he had to guide yet saith this man he must be sacred and holy unto us and admitted without contradiction to his inheritance which God and nature hath laid upon him and his direction rèstraint or punishment must only be remited to God alone for that no man or Common-wealth may reforme or restrain him Which I doubt not will seeme unto you rather belly and base doctrine then to come from the head of any learned or discreet man that regardeth the end why Common-wealths and Kingdoms and all Governments were ordained by God and nature and not the flattering or adoring of any one miserable man that shall stand over them to destroy the whole But now to the particuler matter that we are to treat which is what is to be attributed to this succession or propinquity of birth alone I am of opinion that albeit their want not reasons on both sides among learned men what kind of providing Governours to Common-wealths is best either by simple and free election only or by succession of birth my opinion I say is that succession is much to be preferred not for that it wanteth all difficulties and inconveniences which all temporall things uppon earth have but like as before I have shewed of the particuler Government of a Monarchy in respect of other forms of regiment to wit that is wanted not all but had fewer inconveniences then their formes of Regiment have so say I also of this that albeit some inconveniences want not in succession yet are they commonly far lesse and fewer then would follow by meere election which are subiect to great and continuall dangers of ambition emulation division sedition and contention which do bring with them evident peril of universall destruction and disolation of the whole body and this at every change of the prince which change on the other side is much assured by succâ—ssion for that great occasions of strife and contention are there by cut of 2. And besides this the Prince who is in present possession knowing that his son or next of kin is to be his heire hath more care to leave the realme in good order as we see that the husbandman hath to till and manure that ground which is his owne and to remaine to his posterity 3. A third commodity also there is for that lesse mutations and alterations are seen in the Common-wealth where succession prevaileth for that the sonne following his father doth commonly retaine the same friends councellors officers and servants which his father had before him pursueth the same actions and intentions with the same manner of proceeding for the most part whereas he that entereth by election being an aliene to him that went before him and never lightly his friend doth change alter and turne upsidowne all things 4. Furthermore which may be also a fourth reason he that entereth by succession for that he is either borne a Prince or hath been much respected still for his title to the Crowne bringeth with him lesse passions of hatred emulation anger envie or revenge against particuler men for that no man durst offend him then doth he which entereth by only election for that he having bin a subject equall to others before his advancement and thereby holding contention with many espetially at this election must needs have matter of quarrell with many which he will seeke easily to revenge when he is in authority as one the other side also such as were his equals before will beare him lesse respect and more unwillingly be under him then by birth he had been there Soveraigne 5. These and diverse other are the comodities of succession whereunto we may also add the preheminence and priveledge of primogenitura and auncetrie of birth so much respected and commended by holy writ not only in men but in all other creatures also whose first borne were dedicated to God himselfe and one notable example among other occurreth to my mind of the two sonnes of Isack of the which two albeit God hath ordained to chuse the younger before he was borne as S. Paul testifieth and to reject the elder that is to say that Iacob should inherite the benediction not Esau Yet would God have his yonger to procure the said priviledge of eldership from Esau by divers means as first by bargain and after by guile according to the storie we read in Genes 15 and 49. Deut. 21. and 15. 2 Paralip 21 and 3 Exod 3. and 2. Rom. 9. and 13 Genes 28 and 27. Out of which story two points may be pondered much to our purpose first that primogenitura or eldership of birth as I have said was greatly respected by God and according to that all the disceâ—tâ— and successions of Kings were commonly among that people for that ordinarily the elder 〈◊〉 ever succeded his Father in the Crowne of Iury. And the seconâ— pâ—int 〈…〉 God would shew even in this begining that yet this priviledge was not so 〈◊〉 but that upon just causes it might be broken as it was by this his choyce of Iacob the yonger and rejecting Esau the Elder and many times after in matter of government the same was practised by God himselfe as when Iudah the fourth tribe and not Ruben the 1 and Eldest was apointed by God enioy the scepter and Crown of the Iewes as also when King David died not in his first second or third sonne but his tenth in order to wit Solomon who was also the fourth that he had by Bersabe was appointed for his successor Genes 29 and 9. Exod 1. 2. Reg. 5. 1. Paral. 3. So that in very deed we have here both our two cases that were propounded in the begining over ruled and determined by authority and example of holy writ it selfe namely and 1
no as before hath been shewed which thing were in vain to ask if he were truly King as Belloy saith before his Coronation Again we see in all the formes and different manners of Coronations that after the Prince hath sworn divers times to govern well and justly then do the subjects take other Oathes of obedience and allegiance and not before which argueth that before they were not bound unto him by allegiance and as for the Princes of England it is expresly noted by English Historiographers in their Coronations how that no aliegeance is due unto them before they be Crowned and that only it happened to Henry the fifth among all other Kings his Predecessour to have this priviledg and this for his exceeding towardlinesse and for the great affection of the people towards him that he had homage done unto him before his Coronation and Oath taken Whereof Polidor writeth in these words Princeps Heuricus facto patris funere concilium principum apud Westomansterium convocandum eurat in quo dum de rege creando more maiorum agitabatur esse tibi contiâ—uo â—aliquot Principes ultro in ejus verba mirare coeperunt quod benevolentiae officium nulli antea priusquam Rex renunciatus esset praestitum constat adeo Henricus ab ineunte aetate spâ—m omnibus optimae indolis fecit Polydâ—r virg lib. 22. histor Angliae in vita Henrici 5. Which in English is this Prince Henry after he had finished his fathers funeralls caused a Parliament to be gathered at Westminster where whilst consultation was had according to the ancient custome of England about creating a new King behold certain of the Nobility of their own free wils began to swear obedience and loyalty unto him which demonstration of love and good will is well known that it was never shewed to any Prince before until he was declared King So great was the hope that men had of the towardlines of this P. Henry even from his tender age and the very same thing expresseth Iohn Stow also in his Chronicle in these words To this noble Prince by assent of the Parliament all the States of the Realm after 3 dayes offered to do fealty before he was Crowned or had solemnized his Oath well and justly to Governe the Common-wealth which offer before was never found to be made to any Prince of England Stow in the begining of the life of K. Henry 5. In whose narration as also in that of Polidor it may be noted that K. Henry the 5. was not called King untill after his Coronation but only Prince though his father King Henry the 4. had been dead now almost a moneth before And secondly that the Parliament consulted de Rege creando more majorum as Polidor his words are that is making of a new King according to the ancient custome of their ancestors which argueth that he was not yet King though his father were dead nor that the manner of our old English ancestors was to account him so before his admission Thirdly that this demonstration of good will of the Nobility to acknowledge him for King before his Coronation and Oath selemuized well and justly to Governe the Realm was very extraordinary and of meere good will And last of all that this was never done to any Prince before K. Henry the 5 all which points do demonstrate that it is the Coronation and admission that maketh a perfect and true King whatsoever the title by succession be otherwise And that except the admission of the Common-wealth be joyned to succession it is not sufficient to make a lawfull King and of the two the second is of far more importance to wit the consent and admission of the Realm then nearnesse of bloud by succession alone This I might prove by many examplâ—s in England it self where admission hath prevailed against right of succession as in Wil. Rufus that succeded the Conquerour and in K. Henry the 1. his brother in K. Stephen K. John and others who by only admission of the Realm were Kings against the order of succession and very specially it may be seene in the two examples before mentioned of the admission of the two Kings Henry and Edward both surnamed the 4. whose entrances to the Crowne if a man do well consider he shall find that both of them founded the best part and most surest of their titles upon the election consent and good will of the people As in their last words to their friends in Sr. Tho. Moore and Stow. Yea both of them at their dying daies having some remorse of conscience as it seemed for they had caused so many men to dye for maintenance of their severall Rights and titles â—ad no better way to appease their own minds but by thinking that they were placed in that roome by the voice of the Realm and consequently might lawfully defend the same and punish such as went about to deprive him You shall find if you looke into the doings of Princes in all ages that such Kings as were most politique and had any lest doubt or suspition of troubles about the title after their deaths have caused their sonnes to be Crowned in their own dayes trusting more to this then to their title by succession thongh they were never so lawfully and lineally discended And of this I could alleadg you many examples out of divers Countries but especially in France since the last line of Capetus came unto that Crown for this did Hugh Capetus himself procure to be done to Robert his Eldest sonne in his owne daies and the like did King Robert procure for his younger son Henry the 1. as Girard holdeth and excluded his elder onely by Crowning Henry in his owne daies Henry also did intreate the States of France to admit and Crown Philip the 1. his eldest son whilst himself reigned An. 1131. and this mans son Luys Le Cros did the same also unto two sons of his first to Philip and after his death to Luys the younger both which were Crowned in their fathers life time and this Luys again the younger which is the seaventh of that name for more assuring of his son named Philip the second intreated the Realm to admit and Crown him also in his own dayes with that great solemnity which in the former chapter hath ben declared And for this very same cause of security it is not to be doubted but that alwaies the Prince of Spaine is sworn and admitted by the Realmâ— during his Fathers reign The same consideration also moved King David 2 Reg. 1. to Crown his son Salomon in his own daies Our King Henry also the 2 of England considering the alteration of that the Realm had made in admitting K. Stephen Polyd. Stow. in vita Henrici 11. before him against the order of lineall succession by propiâ—quity of blood and fearing that the like might happen also after him caused his eldest sonne named likewise Henry to be Crowned in his life time so as
England had two K. Henries living at one time with equall authority and this was done in the 16. year of his Reign and in the year of our Lord 1170 but his device had no good successe for that K. Henry the younger made war soone after upon K. Henry the elder and had both the Kings of France and Scotland and many Nobles of England and Normandy to take his part for which cause it is thought that this thing hath never been put in practise again since that time in England but yet hereby it is evident what the opinion of the world was in those daies of the force of Coronation and admission of the Common-wealth and how little propinquity of bloud prevaileth without that The Seaventh Speech I Should begin with the Grecian Kings it were infinite that might be alleadged and perhaps some man would say they were over old and far fetched examples and cannot be presidents to us in these ages and if I lay before you the examples of Roman Kings and Emperours put in and out against the Law aed Rights of succession the same men perhaps will answer that it was by force and injury of mutinons souldiers whereunto that Common-wealth was greatly subject And if I shâ—uld bring forth any presidents and examples of holy Scripturs some other might chance to reply that this was by particuler priviledge wherein God Almighty would deale and dispose of things against the ordinary course of mans law as best liked himselfe whose will is more then Law and whose actions are right it selfe for that he is Lord of all and to be limitted by no rule or law of man but yet that this is not properly the Act of a Common-Welth Thus I say it may be that some man would reply and therefore having store enough of plain and evident matter which hath no exception for that it hath happened in setled Common-Wealths and those near home where the law of succession is received and established to wit in Spayne France and England I shall retyre my selfe to them alone but yet putting you in mind before I passe any further that it is a matter much to be marked how God dealt in this point with the people of Israel at the begining 1. Règ. 8. after he had granted to them that they should have the same government of Kings that other Nations round about them had whose Kings did ordinarily reigne by succession as ours do at this day and as all the Kings of the Jewes did afterwards and yet this notwithstanding God at the beginning at the very entrance of their first Kings would shew plainly that this Law of succeeding of the one the other by birth and propinquity of blood though for the most part it should prevaile yet that it was not so precisely necessary but that upon just causes it might be altered For proofe whereof we are to consider that albeit he made Saul a true and lawfull King over the Iewes and consequent also gave him all Kingly priviledges benefits and prerogatives belonging to that degree and state whereof one principal as you know is to have his Children succeed after him in the Crowne yet after his death God suffered not any one of his generation to succeed him though he left behinde him many Children and among others Isboseth a Prince of 40. Yeares of age 2. Reg. 1. and 21. whom Abner the generall captain of that nation with eleaven tribes followed for a time as their lawfull Lord and master by succession untill God cheked them for it and induced them to reiect him though heire apparent by discent and to cleave to David newly elected King who was a stranger by Birth and no King at all to the King deceased And if you say here that this was for the sinne of Saul whom God had reiected I do confesse it but yet this is nothing against our purpose for that we pretend not that a Prince that is next in blood can iustly be put back except it be for his own defects or those of his ancestors And more over I would have you consider that by this it is evident that the fault of the father may prejudicate the sonnes right to the Crowne albeit the sonne hath no part in the fault as we may see in this example not only of Ishboseth that was punished and deprived for the offence of Saul his Father notwithstanding he had been proclaimed King as hath been said but also of Ionathus Saules other sonne who so good a man and so much praised in holy Scripture and yet he being slaine in Warr and leaving a sonne named Mephiboseth he was put back also 2. Reg. 5. though by nearenesse of blood he had great interest in the succession and much before David But David being placed in the Crowne by election free consent and admission of the people of Israell as the Scripture plainly testifieth though by motion and direction of God himself we must confesse 2. Reg. 2 and 5. and no man I think will deny but that he had given unto him therewith all Kingly priviledges prehemiences and regaliâ—ies even in the highest degree as was conveniene to such a state and among other the Scripture expresly nameth that in particuler it was assured him by God that his seed should reigne after him yea and that for eveâ— Psal 131. 2. Paral. 6. but yet we do not find this to be performed to any of his elder sonnes as by order of succession it should seeme to appertain no nor to any of their of spring or discents but only to Solomon which was his younger and tenth sonne and the fourth only by Barsabe True it is that the Scripture recounteth how Adonias Davids elder sonne that was of rare beauty a very goodly young Prince seeing his Father now very ould and impotent and to lie on his death bed and himselfe heire apparent by antiquitie of blood after the death of Absalon his elder brother that was slain before he had determined to have proclaimed himselfe heir apparent in Ierusalem before his Father died 1. Reg. 1. and for that purpose had ordained a great assembly and banquet had called unto it both the high priest Abiather and diverse of the Cleargie as also the generall Captaine of all the army of Israell named Ioah with other of the Nobillity and with them all the rest of his bretheren that were sonnes to King David saving only Solomon togeather with many other Princes and great men both spirituall and temporall of that estate and had prepared for them a great feast meaning that very day to proclaime himselfe heire apparent to the Crowne and to be Crowned as indeed by succession of blood it appertained unto him and this he attempted so much the rather by councell of his friends for that he saw the King his Father very ould and impotent and ready to die and had taken no order at all for his successor and moreover Adonias had understood how that Bersabe Solomons Mother
surnamed the Catholick and this was the 4 race of Spanish Kings after the Romans which endureth until this day And though in all these foure raceâ— and â—anks of Royall discents divers examples might be alleadged for manifest proof of my purpose yeâ— will not deale with their race for that it is evident by the Councell of Tolido which were holden in that very time that in those daies expresse election was joyned with succession as by the deposition of K. Suintila and putting back of all his children as also by the election and approbation of K. Sifinando that was further of by succession hath been insinuated before and in the 5 Councell of that age of Toledo it is decreed expresly in these words Si quis talia meditatus fuorit talking of pretending to be King quem nec electio omnium perficet nec Gothicae gentis nobilitas ad hunc honoris apicom trahit si consortio Catholicorum privatus divino anathemat condemuatus Concil Tol. 5. c. 3. If any man shall imagine said these Fathers or go about to aspire to the Kingdom whom the election and choice of all the Realm doth not make perfect nor the Nobility of the Gotish Nation doth draw to the height of this dignity let him be deprived of all Catholique society and damned by the câ—rse of Almighty God by which words is insinuated that not only the Nobility but of Gotish bloud or nearnes by succession was required for the making of their King but much more the choice or admission of all the Realm wherein thiâ— Councell putteth the perfection of his title Don Pelayo died in the year of our Lord 737. and left a Son named Don Fauila who was King after his Father and reigned 2. yeares only After whose death none of his Children were admitted for King though he left divers as all writers do testifie But as Don Lucas the Bishop of Tuy a very ancient Authour writeth Aldefonsus Catholicus ab universo populo Gothorum eligitur that is as the Chronicler Moralis doth translate in Spanish Don Alonso surnamed the Catholick was chosen to be King by all voyces of the Gotish Nation This Don Alonso was Son in law to the former K. Fauila as Morales saith for that he had his Daughter Ermâ—nesenda in Marriage and he was preferred before the Kings own sonnes only for that they were young and unable to govern as the said Historiographer testifieth And how well this fell out for the Common-Welth and how excellent a King this Don Alonso proved Morales sheweth at large from the 10. Chapter of his 13. Booke untill the 17. and Sesastianus Bishop of Salamanca that lived in the same time writeth of his valiant acts he was surnamed the great Sâ—â—ast Episc Saelam in hist Hisp To this famous Don Alonso succeded his son Don Frucla the first of that name vvho vvas noble King for 10 years space and had divers excellent victories against the Moores but aftervvard declining to tiranny he became hatefull to the subjects and for that he put to death vvrongfully his ovvn brother Don Vimerano Prince of excellent parts and rarely beloved of the Spaniards he vvas himselfe put dovvn and put to death by them in the year of Christ 768. And albeit this King left 2. godly Children behind him vvhich vvere lavvfully begotten upon his Queen Dona Munia the one of them a son called Don Alonso and the other a daughter called Dona Ximea yet for the hatred conceived against their Father neither of them vvas admitted by the Realm to succeed him but rather his châ—sen german named Don Aurelio brothers son to Don Alonso the Catholique vvas preferred and reigned peacably 6 years and then dying vvithout issue for this the hatred â—f the Spaniards vvaâ— not yet ended against the memory of K. Eruela they vvould not yet admit any of his Generation but raâ—her excluded thâ—m again the 2 time and admitted a brother in lavv of his named Don Silo that vvas married to her sister Dona Adosinda daughter to the foresaid noble K. Catholique Alonso So that here vve seervvice the right heyres of K. Don Fruela for his evil government vvere put back But Don Silo being dead vvithout issue as also Don Aurelio vvas before him and the Spaniards anger against K. â—ruca being novv vvel aslvvaged they admitted to the Kingdom his foresaid son Don Alonso the yonger surnamâ—d aftervvard the chast vvhom novv tvvice before put back as you have seen but novv they admitted him though his reign at the first endured very little for that a bastard uncle of his named Don Mauregate by help of the Moores put him out reigned by force 6. years in the ending vvithout issue the matter came in deliberation again vvhether the K. Don Alonso the chast that yet lived had been hidden in monastary of Galitia during the time of he yrant should returne again to govern or rather that his coseâ—n German Don vermudo son to his uncle the Prince should be elected in his place And the Realm of Spayâ—ed etermined the 2. that Don Vermulo though he vvere much further of by propinquity of blood vvithin 〈…〉 also should be admitted True it is that after three yeareâ— reign this 〈…〉 King Vâ—rmudo being weary of kingly life feeling some scruple of conscience that being Deacon he had forsaken the life Ecclesiasticall maryed though by dispensation of the Pope as Morales saith entangled himself with the affairs of a kingdom Moric 28 29. an 791. he resigned willingly the gouernment unto his said cozen Don Alonso the chast himself lived after a privat life for divers yeers but this Don Alonso who now the 4. time had been deprived of his succession as you have seen deceived the expectation of the Spaniards that accounted him a Monk for he proved the most valiant excellent King that ever that Nation had both for his vertue valour victories against the Moors building of Towns castles churches Monasteries other such works of christianity as Morales recounteth he reigned after this his last admission 51 yeers had great friendship with K. Charles the great of France who lived in the same time with him And this man among other most noble exploits so tamed the Moores of his country as during his days he never paid that cruelâ— horrible tribute which before and after was paid by the christians to the Moors Mor. l. 13 c. 45. an 842. which was 100 young Maidens 50 Sons of Gentlemâ—n every yeer to be brought up in the Religion of Mahomet among those infidell tyrants And finally this man after so much affliction came to be one of the most renowned Princes of the World After this Don Alonso who left no children for that he would never marry who lived all his life in chastity there succeeded to him by election his nephew named Don â—anurs son to the former said K. Don Vermudo the Deacon that gave this man the
to alledge out of the 2. rank only which began with the exclusion and deposition of their lawfull king Childerike the 3. and election of k. Pepin then surnamed le brefe or the little for his small stature though he were a Gyant in deeds being made king of France by meer election in the yeer of Christ 751. after 22 Kings that had reigned of the first line of Pharamond for the space of more then 300 yeers being so famous worthy a King as all the world knoweth reigned 18 yeers and then left his States Kingdoms by succession unto his eldest Son Charles surnamed afterward the Great for his famous heroicall acts And albeit the whole kingdom of France appertained unto him alone by the law of succession his Father being King and hee his eldest Son yet would the Realm of France shew their authority in his admission which Girard setteth down in these words Estant Pepâ—n decede les Francois esleurent Rois Charls Carlomon ses fils ala charge quils partageroient entre eux egalement le royaume Gir. du Haillan l. 3. an 768. which is king Pepin being dead the brench-men chose for their kings his two Sons Charles Carlomon with condition that they should part equally between them the Realm Wherein is to be noted not only the elect on of the Common wealth besiâ—es succession but also the heavy condition laid upon the heyre to part half of his kingdom with his younger brother and the very same words hath Eginard an ancient French Writer in the life of this Charles the Great to wit That the French State in a publike Assembly did chuse two Princes to be their Kings with expresse condition to divide the Realm equally as Francis Belforest citeth his words Eginard Belfor l 2. c. 5. After 3 yeers that these two Brethren had reigned together K. Carlomon the yonger dyed and left many Sons the elder whereof was named Adalgise but Belforest saith That the Lords Ecclesiasticall Temporall of France swore fidelity and obedience to Charles without any respect or regard at all of the childâ—en of Carlomon who yet by right of succession should have been preferred and Paulus Emilius a Latine Writer saith proceres regni ad Carolum ultroven entes regem tum totius Galliae sulutarunt Paâ—l Mil. hist Frâ—nc that is The Nobility of the Realme coming of their own accord unâ—o Charles saluted him k. of all France whereby is shewed that this exclusion of the children of Carlomon was not by force or tyranny but by free deliberaâ—ion of the Realm After Charles the great reigned by succession his only Son Lewis the first surnamed deâ—onnaire of hâ—s courtesie who entring to reigâ— in the yeer 817. with great applause of all men for the exceeding gratefull memory of his father was yet afterward at the purâ—uit principally of his own three sonnes by his first wise which were Lothair Pepin and Lups deposed Girard l. 1 An. 834. first in a chancell at Lions and then again at Compeigne and put into a monastery though afterward he came to reigne againe An 840. and his fourth sonne by hâ—s second wife which sonne was named Charles le châ—une for that he was bald â—ucceeded him in the states of France though after many battells against his brother Lothair to whom by succession the same apperteyned After Charles the bald succeeded Lewis the second surnamed le begue for his stuttering who was not eldest but third Son unto his Father an 878. for the second dyed before his Father the eldest was put by his succesâ—ion for his cruell demeanure this Lewis also was like to have bin deprived by the States at his first entrance for the hatred conceived against hâ—s Father Charles the baâ—d but that he calling a solemn Pâ—rl at Compeigne as Girard saith Gie l. 1. an 879 he made the People Clergy Nobility many fair promises to have their good wils This Lewis the stuttering left two bastard sons by a Concubine who were called Lewis Carlomon as also he left a litle Infant newly born of his lawfull fe Adeltrude daughter to k. Alfred of England which Infant was K. of France afterward by name of Charles the simple albeit not immediatly after the death of his Father for that the Nobles of France said that they that they had need of a man to be King not a child as Girard reporteth therefore the whole State of France chose for their Kings the two foresaid bastards Lewis the 3. Carlomon the first of that name joyntly they were crowned most solemnly divided the whole Relm between them in the yeer of Christ 881. Q. Adeltruds with her child true heir of France fled into England to her Father there brought him up for dâ—vers yeers in which time she saw 4 or 5 Kings Reigne in his place in France one after the other for briefly thus it passed Of these two bastard Kings the elder named Lewis reigned but 4 yeers and dyed without issue the 2d that is Carlomon lived but one yeer after him left a Son called also Lewis the 5. surnamed Faineant for his idle slothfull life an 886. For which as also for his vicious behaviour in perticular for taking out marying a Nun of the Abby of Baudour at Chels by Paris he was deprived made a Monk in the Abbey of S. Denis where he dyed in his place was chosen K. of France and crowned with great solemnity Charles the 4. Emperour of Rome srrnamed le gios for that he was fat corpâ—lent he was Nephew to Charles the bald before mentioned therfore the French stories say that he came to the Crown of France partly by succession partly by election Girard l. 5. an 888. but for succession we see that it was nothing worth for so much as Charles the simple the right heire was alive in England whom it seemeth that the French men had quite forgotten seeing that now they had not only excluded him three times already but afterwards also againe when this grosse Charls was for his cruel government by them deposed deprived not onely of the kingdom of France but also of his Empire which he had before he was King was brought into such miserable penury as divers write that he perished or want this time I say the States of France would not yet admit Charles the simple though hitherto his simplicity did not appear but he seemed a goodly Prince but rather they chose for King one Odo Earl of Paris Duke of Angiers caused him to be crowned But yet after a few yeers being weary of this mans government and moved also somewhat with compassion towards the youth that was in England they resolved to depose Odo and so they did while he was absent in Gascony and called Charls the simple out of England to Paris and restored him to the kingdom of France leaving only to
themselves secure in conscience as you see for doing the same which God hath also since seemed to confirm with the succession happy successe of so many noble and most Christian Kings as have issued out of this line of Hugo Capet us unto this day And this spoken now of the second line of France I take to be sufficient for proof of our purpose without going any further for that if we do but number these Kings already named that have reigned in this second race from K. Pepin downwards unto Hugh Capet which are about 17 or 18 Kings in 238 yeeres we shall find that not some few but the most part of them did both enter and enjoy their crowns and dignities contrary to the law of lineall discent and of next succession by bloud Whereof also there would not want divers examples in the third and last discent since Hugo Capitus his time if we would passe further to examine the stories thereof For not to go further down then to the very next discent after Hugh which was K. Robert his Son Girard affirmeth in his story Gir. l. 6 an 1232. that of his two Sons which he had named Robert Henry Robert the elder was put back his younger brother Henry made K. of France reigned many yeers by the name of H. the 1. and this he saith hapned partly for that Robert was but a simple man in respect of Henry and partly also for that H. was greatly favoured and assisted in this pretence by Duke Robert of Normandy Father to our William the conqueror and in recompence hereof this King Henry afterward assisted the said William bastard Son to Robert for the attaining of the Dukedom of Normandy after the death of the said Duke Robert his Father notwithstanding that Duke Robert had two lawfull brothers alive at that time whose names were Manger Archbishop of Rone and William Earl of Argues in Normandy who pretended by successâ—ion to be preferred Gir. l. 6. an 1032. and 1037. But the States of Normandy at the request of Duke Robert when he went to the Holy land in which journey he dyed as also for avoidâ—ng dissention wars that otherwise might ensue were content to exclude the uncles and admit the bastard son who was also assisted by the Forces of the King of France so as no scruple it seemed there was it those days either to prefer K. Hen. to the crown of France before his elder brother or D. William the bastard son to the Duchy of Normandy before his lawfull uncles upon such considerations as those States may be presumed to have had for their doings I read also that some yeers after to wit in the yeâ—r 1â—10 when Philip the 1. of France son and heyr to this K. Henry was deceased the people of France were so offended with his evill life and government as divers were of opinion to dis-inherit his Son Lewis the 6. surnamed le Gros for his sake and so was he like to have been indeed as may appear by the chronicle of France if some of his party had not caused him to be crowned in hast and out of order in Orleans for prevnting the matter The like doth Philip Cominaeus in his story of K. Lewis the 11dâ— clare how that the State of France had once determined to have dis-inherited his Son Charles named after the 8 to puâ— him back from his succession for their hatred to his Father if the said Father had not dred while the other was very young aâ—â— noted before also that it hapned in K. Hen. the 3 of England wâ—o was once condemned by the Barons to be dis-inherited for the fault of K Iohn his Father Lewis the Prof France chosen in his place but that the death of K. Iohn did alter that course intended by the English Nobiâ—ity so as this matâ—er is neither nâ—w nor unaccustomed in all sorraign Countries and now will I passe also a little to our English stories to see whether the like may be found in them or no. And first of all that the Realm of England hath had as great variety changes diversity in the races of their Kings as any one Realm in the world it seemeth evident for that first of all after the Britains it had Romans for their Governours for many yeer then of them their Roman bloud they had Kings againe of their own as appeareth by that valiant King Aurelius Ambrosius who resisted so manfully prudently the Saxons for a time after this they had Kings of the Saxon English bloud after them of the Daâ—es â—hen of â—he Normans and after them again of the French last of all it seemeth to have returned to the Britains again in K. H. 7. for that his Father came of that race and now you know there bee pretenders of divers Nations I mean both of Scottish Spanish and I alian bloud so that England is liâ—e to perticipate with all their neighbors round about them I for my part do feel my self much of the French opinion before alleadged that so the ship be well and happily guided I esteeme it not much important of what race or Nation the Pylot be but now to our purpose I mean to passe over the first and ancient ranks of Kings as well of the Brittish and Roman as also of the Saxon races unâ—ill K. Egbert me 1 of this name King of the West Saxons almost of all the rest of England besides who therefore is said to be â—roperly the first Monarch of the Saxon bloud and he that first of all commanded that Realm to be called England which ever since hath been observed This man Egbert being a young Gentleman of a noble house in the West parts of England was bad in jelousie by his K. Britricus who was the 16. K. from Cordicius first K. of the West Saxons as he was also the last of his bloud And for that he suspected that this Egbert for his great prowess might come in time to be chosen King he banished him into France where he lived divers yeers was a captain under the famous K. Pepin that was Father to Charlâ—s the great hearing afterwards that K. Britricus was dead he returned inâ—o England where Polidâ—o saith omnium confensu rex creatur Pol. hist. aug l. 4. in sine That he was created or chosen King by consent voyce of all men though yet he were not next propinquity of bloud royall as is most evident and yet he proved the most excellent King that ever the Saxons had before or perhaps after his election hapned in the yeer of Christ 802. when K. Pepin the first of that race reigned in France so as this Monarchy of Egbert and that of Pepin began as it were together and both of them came to their crowns by election of the people as here you see This King Egbert or Egbrich as others do write him left a lawfull Son behind him
named Ethelwâ—lfe or Adâ—â—ulte or Edolph an 829. for all is one who succeeded him in the kingdom and was as worthy a man as his Father and this Adeluulfe again had four lawfull Sons who all in their turns succeeded by just and lawfull order in the crown to wit Ethelbald Ethelbert Ethelred and Alfred for that none of the former three had any children and all the latter three were most excellent Princes especially Alfred or Alured the last of all four whose acts are wonderfull an 8â—2 and who among other his renowned Guests drove Rollo that famous Captain of the Danes from the Boâ—ders of England with all his company into France where he got the country or Province named then Neustria and now Normandy and was the first Duke of that Province and Nation and from whom our William Conquerour came afterwards in the 6. discent This man also erected the University of Oxford being very learned himselfe builded divers good Monasteries and Churches dying left as famous a Son behind himself which was Edward the first surnamed the senior or elder Anno 900. This King Edward dying left two Sons lawfully begotten of his wife Edgina the one named Prince Edmund the other Eâ—â—â—ed and a third illegitimate whose name was Adelstan whom he had by a Concubine But yet for that this man was esteemed to be of more valour then the other he was preferred to the crown before the other two Princes legitimate an 924 for so testifieth Poâ—dor in these words Adâ—â—anus ex concubina Edwardi filius rax a populo consalutatur atque ad Kingstonum opidum more majorum ab Athâ—â—lmo cautuariensi Arel lepiscopo corâ—natur Pol. l. 5. hist ang which is Adelstan the Son of K. Edward by a Concubine was made King by the People and was crowned according to the old custome by Athelme Archbishop of Canterbury at the town of Kingston Thus far Polidor and Stow addeth further these words His coronation was celebrated in the Market place upon a stage erected on high that the King might better be seen of the multitude he was a Prince of worthy memory valiant and wise in all his acts and brought this land into one perfect Monarchy for the expelled utterly the Danes and quieted the Welch men Stow p. 136. an 924. Thus much Stow of the snccesse of chusing this King bastard to reign To whose acts might be added that he conquered Scotland and brought Constantine their King to doe him homage and restored Lewis d'Outremer his sisters Son to the Kingdom of France an 940. This man dying without issue his lawfull brother Edmond put back before was admitted to the crown who being of excellent expectation dyed after 6 yeers and left two lawfull sons but yet for that they were young they were both put back by the Realm their uncle Eâ—dred was preferred before them an 946. so saith Palidor Genuâ—t Edmondus ex Egilda uxore Edvinuus Edganum qui cum etate pueri esseâ—â— post Eldredum deinder regnarunt Pol l. 6. King Edmond begat of his wife Egilda two Sons named Edwin and Edgar who for that they were but children in yeers were put back and reigned afterward after their uncle Eldred The like saith Stow and yeeldeth the same reason in these words Eldred succeeded Edmond his bâ—other for that his Sons Edwin and Edgar were thought to young to take so great a charge upon them This Eldred though he entred as you see against the right of the Nephews yet saith Polidor and Stow that he had all mens good will and was crowned as his brother had been at Kingston by Odo Archbishop of Canterbury and reigned 9 yeers with great good will and praise of all men He dyed at last without issue aud so his elder Nephew Edwin was admitted to the crown but yet after 4 yeers he was deposed again for his lewd vicious life and his younger brother Edgar admitted in his place in the yeer of Christ 959. This King Edgar that entred by deposition of his brother was one of the rarest Princes that the world had in his time both for peace and war justice piety and valour Stow saith he kept a Navy of 3000. and 600 ships distributed in divers parts for defence of the Realm Also that he built and restored 47 Monasteries at his own charges and did other many such acts He was Father to King Edward the Martyr and Grandfather to K. Edward the confessor though by two different wives for by his first wife named Egilfred â—hee had Edward after martyrized and by his second wife Alfred he had Etheldred Father to Edw. the confessour and to the end that Etholdred might reign his mother Alfred caused K. Ed. the son of Egilfred to be slain after King Edgar her husband was dead After this so shamefull murther of K. Edw many good men of the Realm were of opinion not to admit the succession of Etheldred his half brother both in respect of the murther of K. Ed. his elder brother committed for his sake as also for that he seemed a man not fit to govern and of his opinion among others was the holy man Dunston Archbishop of Canterbury as Polidor saith Pol. l. 7. hist Ang. who at length in flat words denyed to consecrate him but seeing the most part of the Realm bent on Etheldreds side he foretold them that it would repent them after and that in this mans life the Realm should be destroyed as indeed it was and he ran away to Normondy and left Sweno and his Danes in possession of the Realm though afterward being dead hee returned againe and dyed in London This Etheldred had two wives the first Ethelgina an English woman by whom he had Prince Edward surnamed Iron-side for his great strength and valour who succeeded his Father in the Crown of England for a yeer and at his death left two Sons which after shall be named And besides this Etheldred had by his first wife other two Sons Edwin and Adelston and one Daughter named Edgina all which were either slain by the Danes or dyed without issue The second Wife of Etheldred was called Emma sister to Richard Duke of Noâ—mondy who was Grandfather to William the Conquerour to wit Father to Duke Robert that was Father to William So as Emma was great Aunt to this William and shee bare unto King Atheldred two Sons the first Edward who was afterward named King Edward the Confessor and Alerud who was slain trayterously by the Earl of Kent After the death also of King Etheldred Queen Emma was marryed to the Dane King Canutus the first of that name surnamed the Great that was King of England after Etheldred and Edmond Ironside his Son and to him she bare a Sonne named Hardicanutus who reigned also in England before King Edward the Confessour Now then to come to our purpose hee that will consider the passing of the Crown of England from the death of Edmond Iron-side elder Sonne
of King Etheldred untill the possession thereof gotten by William Duke of Normandy to wit for the space of 50 yeers shall easily see what Authority the Common-wealth hath in such Affaires to alâ—er Titles of Snccession according as publique necessity or utility shall require for thus briefly the matter passed King Eâ—â—ldred seeing himself to weak for Sweno the King of Danes that was entred the Land fled with his wife Emma and her two children Edward and Alerud unto her brother Duke Richard of Normandy and there remained untill the death of Sweno And he being dead Etheldred returned into England made a certain agreement and division of the Realme between him and Canutus the Son of Sweno and so dyed leaving his eldest sonne Edmond Iron-side to succeed him who soone after dying also left the whole Realm to the said Canutus and that by plain covenant as Canutus pretended that the longest liver should have all Whereupon the said Canutus took the two children of King Edmond Iron-side named Edmond and Edward and sent them over into Swethland which at that time was also subject unto him And caused them to be brought up honourably of which two the elder named Edmond dyed without issue but Edward was marryed and had divers children Ethâ—ldred and his Son Edmond being dead Canutus the Dane was admitted for King of England by the whole Parlâ—ament and consent of the Realm anno 1018. and crowned by Alerud Archbishop of Canterbury as Polidor saith and he proved an excellent King and went to Rome and was allowed by that See also He did many works of charity shewed himself a good Christian and very loving and kind to Englishmen marryed Queene Emma an English woman and mother to King Edward the Confessour and had by her a Son named Hardicanutus and so dyed and was much mourned by the English after he had reigned twenty yeers though his entrance and title was partly by force and partly by election as you have heard After this Canutus the first surnamed the Great for that he was King joyntly both of England Norway and Denmark was dead Polidor saith that all the States of the Realm met together at Oxford â—o consult whom they should make King and at last by the more part of voyces was chose Harald the first Sonne of Canutus by a Concubine King Harald the Bastatd 1038. Polid. l. 8. Hist Ang. By which election we see injury was done to the line all succession of three parties First to the Sons of king Edmond Iron-side that were in Swethland Then to the Princes Edward and Ajerud sons to king Etheldred and brothers to Iron-side that were in Normondy And thirdly to Hardie mutus son to Canutus by his lawfull wife Emma to whom it was also assured at her marriage that her issue should succeed if she had any by Canutus After the death of this Harald who dyed in Oxford where he was elected within 3 yeers after his election there came from Denmark Hardicanutus to claim the crown that his Father Brother had possessed before him of whose coming Polidor saith libentissimis animis accipitur communiqve omnium consensu rex dicitur an 1041. He was received with great good will of all and by common content made King this was done by the States without any respect had of the succession of those Princes in Normondy Swethland who by birth were before him as hath been shewed this is the second breach after lineal discent after Elthred But this Hardicanutus being dead also upon the sudden 〈◊〉 a certaine banket in Lambeth by London without issue within two yeers after his Coronation the states of the Relm had deâ—ermined to chuse Aludred for their king who was yonger bâ—other to Edw. for that cause sent for him out of Normondy as polid recounteth had made him K. without all doubt for that he was esteemed more stirring valiant then his elder brother Edw. had not E. Goodwin of Kent fearing the youngmans stomack raised a strong faction against him thereupon also caused him to be trayâ—eronsly murthered as he passed through Kent towards London nor had the State here in any respect to Antiquity of bloud for that before Alured were both 〈◊〉 own elder brother P. Ed. who after him was chosen King and before them both were Edm Edw. the children of their elder brother Edmond Iron 〈◊〉 and this the third breach of lineall discent But this notwithstanding Alerud being slain P. Edw. was made King tanta publica lat tia saith Polidor vt certatim pro ejus faelici principatu cuncti vota facerent that is he was made King with such universall joy contentment of all men as every man contended who should pray and make most vows to God for his happy reign and according to this was the successe for he was a most excellent Prince and almost miraculously he reigned with great peace void of all war at home abroad for the space of almost 20 yeers after so infinit broyls as had beene before him ensued after him yet his title by succession cannot be justified as you see for that his eldest brothers Son was then alive to wit Prince Edw. surnamed the outlaw who in this Kings reign came into England brought his wife three lawfull children with him to wit Edgar Margaret and Christian but yet was not this good K. Edw. so scrupulous as to give over his kingdome to any of them or to doubt of the right of his own title which he had by election of the Common-wealth against the order of succession This K. Edward being dead without issue Polidor saith that the States made a great consultation whom they should make King first of all it seemeth they excluded him that was only next by propinquity in bloud which was Edgar Aledin son to the said Prince Edw. the outlaw now departed and Nephew to K. Edmond I tonside the reason of this exclusion is alleadged by Pol. l. 8. in these words is puer id aetatis nondum regno gubernando maturus erat that is he beinâ— a child of so small yeers was not ripe enough to govern the kingdom and then he saith that Harald son of Earl Goodwin by a daughter of Canutus the first proclaymed himself King an 10â—â— morover he addeth Nond spt cuit omninoid factum populo qui plurimum spei in Haraldi virtue habehat itaque more majorum sacratus est which is this fact of Harald displeased not at all the people of England for that they had great hope in the vertue of this Harald so was he annoinâ—ed crowned according to the fashion of the ancient Kings of England by which words we may see that Harald had also the approbation of the Realm to be King notwithstanding that little Edgar was present as hath been said so as this was the 4. breach of succession at this time But in the mean space William Duke of Normandy