Fortnight Worldly peace a great blessing but abused by most Oh saith Luther how soundly will our Gentry and Farmers in Germany pay for this before an Hundred and Fifty years come to an end but afterwards God will restore them again and beat down Popedom Luthers Coll. p. 24â— As the King of Persia laid Siege to a City that had offended him the Bishop that was therein went upon the Wall lift up his Hands to Heaven and prayed whereupon immediately the Eyes of the Horses in the whole Army were so pestered with an innumerable company of Flies stinging them that with their Riders they ran away and so raised the Siege Idem p. 245. A Frier that lived in the same Monastery with Luther used daily to conveâ— himself into a private Corner to pray Now as he became wearied and tired therewith he asked God if such his continued prayers and devotions so long a time might suffice whereupon he heard a voice that said Redde mihi mediam Lunam Solem Canis iram by which was signified Cor the Heart Luthers Coll. p. 246. A young man condemned and brought to the Block and then remitted by Julian as he rose spake these words Ah sweet Jesus am not I worthy to suffer for thy sake p. 247. It was a brave resolution of Henry Prince of Saxony who when his Brother George sent to him that if he would forsake his Faith and turn Papist he would then leave him his Heir But he made him this answer Rather than I will do so and deny my Saviour Jesus Christ I and my Kate each of us with a staff in one hand will beg our Bread out of his Countreys Idem p. 248. The Church is watered with the Blood of Martyrs Truly said Luther it would grieve me sorely if I should carry my Blood into the Grave Idem p. 268. Luther relates a story of a young man he knew at Erfort that tempting his Mothers Maid the Maid acquainted his Mother She with a pretence to school her Son lays her self in her Maids Bed and was gotten with Child by him of a Daughter which being bred abroad and when grown up brought home the young man knowing not of it married her so that she was his Daughter Sister and Wife The Vniversity was consulted with they concluded advising the Mother to repent her wickedness that seeing the married couple knew nothing of it to avoid greater offence they should continue together Idem p. 257. Galaton painted Homer Vomiting and all the rest of the Poets greedily swallowing up what he had Vomited and Aelian reckoneth all other Poets but his Apes Famous was that contention between Chrysostom on the one part and Theophilus cyril and Epiphanius on the other about the burning or not burning of Origens Books All good men yet they grew so hot that because Chrysostom would not consent to the burning Theophilus and Cyril would hardly acknowledge him a lawful Bishop And Epiphanius in bitter chiding fell to such choler as he said he hoped he should not die a Bishop To whom Chrysostom answered as eagerly again that he trusted that he should never return alive into his own Country of Cyprus Which chiding words were not so bitter in sound as afterwards they proved true indeed for both Epiphanius dyed before he came home to Cyprus and Chrysostom being put out of his Bishoprick ended his life in banishment Bishop Cooper Lincoln Serm. p. 56. Constantine the Great having assembled the council of Nice for the suppression of Arrius Heresie in which there met 318. Bishops when the Bishops put up Bills of complaint the one against the other he would not read them but burnt them all before them exhorting them to mind the matter about vvhich they came yet afterwards by pernicious flatteries vvas turned against the truth and banished Athanasius Idem p. 213. Augustus hearing that the goods of a Merchant that died much in debt were set forth to Sail he sent to buy his pillow saying That he thought it had some rare vertue in it to procure sleep seeing he that owed so much could sleep on it so quietly It is reported of Caesar to his great commendation that after the defeat of Pompey he had in his custody a Castle vvherein he found divers letters vvritten by many of the Nobles under their ovvn hands sufficient evidence to condemn them but he burnt them all that no monument might remain of a future grudge Thus doth God cancel and annihilate the sins of his penitent servants Rogers penitent Citizen p. 70. Achon a Cretian an excellent Archer vvhen a Serpent had taken avvay his Son he vvith his Arrow kill'd the Serpent but did not hurt his child Idem p. 113. Aristotle being reproved for giving an almes to a levvd person ansvvered I relieve the man not his manners Idem p. 155. Themistocles vvhen he heard that Miltiades had gotten great honour in the Marothenian battle he could not sleep because he came short of his glory And Caesar seeing Alexanders statue wept that he had done so little himself Rogers penitent Citizen p. 150. A Man coming into a Church and seeing it full of Images made of Wax demanded what might be the cause of such an unwonted sight Answer was made that those whom those Images did represent were certain persons which were saved from drowning by calling on our Lady Nay then quoth he again where be the Images of those I pray you that called upon our Lady and were drowned notwithstanding Moss of Vsury p. 99. A Minister knowing he had Vsurers in his congregation whilst he vvas preaching askt his Auditors this question whether there was any Usurer amongst them No man answered He asked again whether there were any Jakes fâ—rmer amongst them One rising up said Yea I am the man Whereupon he answered behold how vile an imployment the Vsurer's is that he is ashamed of vvhereas the other counted it no disparagement to own his Moss p. 148. An Vsurer dying the Minister of the Parish refused to bury him his Friends though very importunate could not perswade It came into their minds that the Minister had an Ass that usually carried his Masters Books after him to the Church Now they supposing the Ass vvould carry vvhat burden he had to the Church as he carried his Masters Books desired the Minister to agree to this that the Vsurer might be laid upon the Ass and that vvhere the Ass laid him he might be buried He vvas contented The Ass feeling an extraordinary burden on his back wringing him wincing and kicking be ran to the Gallows that stood near by and there cast down the Usurer Turnbal Ps 15. p. 51. Philip of Macedon being told that one Nicanor a Courtier but neglected by him had spoken reproachfully of him he sent him a large gift to relieve his Indigency Whereupon Nicanor every where talked very honourably of the King vvhich made Philip say You may see that it lyeth in our selves to be vvell or ill spoken
Philip and Lysanias given him and a Chain of Gold as heavy as the Iron one he wore when he was in Prison Id. 478. Tiberius was exceeding dilatory in all his proceedings He 1. Delayed Embassadors lest if he dispatched them quickly he should be troubled with them again 2. Delayed to exchange his Officers because Flies full fed bite less than hungry In two and twenty years he sent but two Governours into Judaea Gratus and Pilate 3. Delayed to give judgment and to execute Prisoners lest they should be too suddainly delivered from their fears and torments Id. p. 474. Herodias Sister to King Agrippa envying her Brothers advancement to be a King provoked her Husband Herod against his will and perswasion to seek from Cajus a Kingdom Upon which he goes to Cajus but was prevented by Agrippa's informations and accusations and was banished into Lions in France Cajus understanding that Herodias was Agrippa's Sister gave her what was her right but she refused and accompanied her husband God punisht Herodias for her envy against her Brother and plagued Herod in that he so lightly listned to the perswasions of a foolish woman Joseph p 479. Cajus Caligula Governed the Empire the first and second year of his Raign with most noble directions behaving himself graciously towards all men whereby he obtained the good liking of the Romans and the favour of his Subjects but in process of time the greatness of his Estate made him surpass the limits of humane condition and chalenge to himself the Title of Divinity whereby he Governed all things in contempt of God Id p. 480. Cajus commands Petronius to set up his Statue but upon the Jews importunity and a miraculous rain in a great drought he writes to the Emperor intreating his forbearance But Cajus was resolute and refused Agrippa's Petition though he had willed him to ask what he pleased and commanded Petronius for his disobedience to kill himself but e're his Letter came to Petronius his hand other Letters certified him that Cajus was dead Joseph p. 483. Cajus Caligula being odious to God and man for his Pride and Tyranny was slain by Chereas and other conspirators and Claudius who fâ—â—d and hid himself and by the Souldiers against his will and the Senates mind and all mens expectation made Emperor He being desired by the Senate to resign the Imperial Dignity would not He confirmed Agrippa in his Kingdom and gave to Herod Agrippa's Brother the Kingdom of Chalcis This Herod married Bernice Agrippa's Daughter about the forty third year after Christs birth Id. p. 506. Agrippa having been highly honoured by Claudius returns into his Kingdom and as soon as he came unto Jerusalem he offered his Sacrifices of thanksgiving which he had vowed without omitting any thing that was commanded by the Law He caused divers Nazarites to be poll'd and offered in gift that chain of Gold which Cajus had given him commanding that it should be hanged up in the Temple over the Chamber of the Treasures to testifie to those which should behold the same that as he was so the highest estates are subject to alteration and that God can raise men from obscurity unto a happy fortune Joseph p. 507. Silas King Agrippa's General by too much reviving the Kings miseries and ripping up his own deserts was therefore grown into the King's displeasure and sent Prisoner into his own Country the King after pacified sent to release him but he continuing in his sullen humor was left in Prison Id. p. 509. Agrippa was courteous to the Jews magnificent in his expenses and building and was visited at Tiberias at one time by four Kings and the Lord of Pontus but afterward apparelled in a Robe of Silver that in the morning while he made an Oration to the people reflected the Sun-beams he shined in such a sort that all that beheld him were seized with reverence and fear whereupon the people saluted him as a God saying Be merciful unto us hitherto we have feared thee as a man henceforth we acknowledge thee more than mortal Agrippa reproved them not nor rejected their detestable flattery looking up he perceived an Owl and knew it was a presage of his misfortune and being suddainly seised with a horrible and violent griping of his belly turning to his friends he spake Behold saith he whom you esteemed a God condemned to die and destiny shall convince you of your false speeches but I must willingly entertain what God sends After his death he vvas reviled and the Statues of his Daughters abused by those of Sebasti and Caesaria to vvhom he had been bountiful Id. p. 522. Megubizus King of Adiabina gave unto his Son Izates a Country called Caeron vvhich bringeth forth abundance of most excellent Amomun In this place vvas the remainder of the Ark in vvhich Noah vvas saved during the Deluge vvhose remnants saith Josephus vvere to be seen to this day Id. p. 514. Theudas a Magician about forty eight years after Christ perswaded many people to take all their goods and substance and follow him to the floud Jordan For he said he was a Prophet and told them that the River should divide it self into two parts upon his commandment and yield free passage But Fadus the Roman Governour set upon them slew many and took many prisoners and amongst them Theudas whose head was cut off and carried to Jerusalem Joseph 518. When Cumanus governed in the year forty nine after Christ in the Feast of the Passover a certain Roman Soldier by shewing his privy members and baring his buttocks provoked the Jews into a sedition whereby twenty thousand Jews lost their lives and Cumanus to cease the sedition was enforced to cut off the Soldiers head that had given the provocation Id. p. 519. King Agrippa the Son of Agrippa in the twelfth year of Claudius reign had ad Philips and Lysanias Tetrarchies given to him and married his Sister Drusilla unto Azizus King of the Emissenians but shortly after Felix governour of Judaea seeing of her was enamoured and by a Magician called Simon perswaded her to forsake her first Husband and to marry himself which she renouncing the Jewish Religion quickly did and â—ad by him a Son named Agrippa Who in Tiberius his time was â—ourned in the fire of the Mountain Vesuviâ—â— p. 521. Bernice daughter of Agrippa the great and widow to Herod Agrippa's brother after his death married Polemon King of Cilicia who was contented to be circumcised for her love but abandoned Polemon and forsook the Religion of the Jews whether converted by Pauls discourse which she heard to be a Christian is uncertain Id. p. 521. In the time of Felix Government an Aegyptian came to Jerusalem who termed himself a prophet and incited the common people to follow him to Mount Olivet scituate five furlongs from Jerusalem telling them that thence he would make them see the Walls of the City fallen to the ground by which way he promised them entry Felix being informed set
are but spunges to suck up from others what he squeezeth into his own Coffers There 's no Office among the Turks during Life but only the Kings pleasure and it 's seldome seen that any Vizier or Chief Officer dyes in his Bed Whence they have this Proverb That he that is greatest in Office is but a statue of Glass The Turkish Bashaw though they become Sonâ— in Law or otherwise are by Marriage related to the Great Turk yet they have no freedom by it but still remain slaves as others and thereby their servitude is rather increased than lessened and the Children which such beget on Sultanaes never come to preferment as such who are born of their slaves Among the Turâ—s every man may not bear witness that will but only such who are free that can say their prayers that have some knowledge in the Law known to be men of civil life and conversation and above all that drink no wine The Turks pray five times every day and six times their Sabbath viz. Friday and always wash before they enter into their Moschs or Churches Amasis King of Egypt when he perceived that he was less esteemed by his Subjects because he had been formerly a subject himself commanded a Vessel to wash his feet in to be made of pure Gold and afterward to be new molten and cast into the form of an Egyptian Deity which done it immediately was with great devotion worshipt by them whom the King asking why they so â—orshipt what was but now a dishonourable Vessel They answered him Because now it had a Divine shape He presently infers That though formerly he had been an inferiour Subject as they were yet now being advanced to the Royal Dignity suitable honour and respect was due to him Boschier Academ p. 19. Amasis King of Egypt renounced the Friendship of Polycnates fearing lest his great prosperity would have an answerable destruction as accordingly it had He that never had any cross in his life dyed on a cross And St. Ambrose refused to stay in his house that boasted he never knew adversity Idem ibidem 33. Cleopas King of Egypt to furnish himself to build a Pyramis prostituted his own beautiful daughter Boschier Timotheus the Milesian Musician asked a double salary from those who had before another Master Idem Hamilcar made his Son Hannibal being then but Nine Years old to swear before the Altar to revenge him upon the Romans as soon as he was able and fit to wage Warr. Bosch p. 140. Amadaeus Duke of Savoy being desired by some Ambassadors whom he had nobly entertained to shew them his hunting Dogs shewed them a Room full of poor of all sorts whom he relieved with his Alms and told them These were they by whom he hunted and hoped to obtain eternal glory Idem p. 194. Trajan the Emperour heard and adjudged a Widows Cause against His own Son which Pliny takes notice of as his principal praiâ—e Id m. Boschier in his penitential Sermons relates of a Friar that alwayes dined on a Net till he had obtained the Popedom and of another which in his mean estate lived only by bread and water saying That Aqua Panis vita Carnis but afterwards advanced changed his Diet and tâ—en said Aqua Panis vita Canis And a third there was that being low preached exceeding â—harply against the Pride and Vices and Sins of men in power but afterward advanced changed his note and answered one that admir'd at it by profaning of that Scripture When I was a Child I spake as a Child Bonaventure sitting at Table with and looking exceeding earnestly on a beautiful woman and being asked by her Husband why he so looked answered That he admired at the excellency of the Creator by contemplating the beauty of his Creature and if Mortals were so amiable how lovely should we be at the resurrection On which Boschier makes this animadversion That it was an Example rather to be admired than imitated suitable to the golden age and not our present iron age of the World p. 46. â—oschier sharply taxing the sinister practices of Advocates gives an account of many instances as of Demes the Orator whom Plutarch mentions that took Ten alents that he might be silent and of Demosthenes that when the Milesians sent to Athens to crave aid at first meeting vehemently opposed it but being bought over the next meeting counterfeited himself ill with the Squinzy in Latine called Angina but one that perceived the fraud answered it was not Angina but Argentina not his own Disease but their Money had stopt his mouth As likevvise of a famous Lawyer at Millain whose Tricks the Duke understanding in a disguise advised with him how he might pay less than a thousand Ducats which he pretended he owed by bond to another The Lawyer answered he vvould warrant to delay it for Ten Years upon which the Duke condemned him to the Gallows which he well deserved Scru. 4. p. 268. St. Jerom reports that Plato after he had to admiration profest in Athens and was the chiefest Master yet travelled to Egypt and Italy to seek Archilaus of Tarentum to be his Scholar Idem 379. Charles the 7th King of France made a Decree that he that spent more Oyl than Wine that is studied more than drunk should be promoted to Benefices It was a prudent Course of the Emperour Augustus who commanded all his Governours in the East that if they received not his Letters within tâ—enty dayes of the date they should esteem them of no value Because between the writing and so late receiving that might fall out that might require contrary directions Bosch p. 41â— Philip of Macedon being willing to delay a widdows Trial was told by her If thou wilt not nor canst not give thy place to another that can and will Eloquence hath a powerful force to perswade men to that they are most against By it Pisistratus obtained the Athenian Monarchy and bewitched the People to a parting from their beloved Freedom Our Saviour mollified the Servants that were sent to take him And Pyrrhus was so powerfully persuasive that the Romans commanded their Ambassadors not to speak with him but by an Interpreter having had experience that those vvhom they had formerly sent returned his Advocates Demetrias having received a great many Petitions into his Lap threw them all into the River which so enraged his people that they revolted from him to Pyrrhus and so he lost his Kingdom Alexander being about to condemn a Pirate asked him Why dost thou trouble the Seas He ansâ—ered And why dost thou the whole World I vvith one Ship seek my adventures and therefore am called a â—irate thou vvith a great Army warrest against Nations and therefore art called an Emperour So that there is no difference between us but in the name The consideration of which so prevailed with lexander that he dism st the Pirate without inflicting any punishment upon him Bosch 19. Serm. p. 421. A
Robe too little for the King and therefore sent in kindness to the Duke to wear grew weary of his life as disdaining to be mocked with his Brothers cast cloths and cursing the time of his unfortunate Nativity refused thenceforth to take any sustenance and so pined himself to death Sp. p. 445. 447. 452. It is reported of Henry Beauclerk that detaining the Kingdom from his brother Robert against his conscience that he stood more in fear of men whose favours he cunningly laboured to keep than of God whom he meant to please as he thought in building an Abbey for his satisfaction p. 447. Robert de Beliasme delighted in cruelty an example whereof he shewed on his own Son who being but a child and playing with him the Father for a pastime put his Thumbs in his childs Eyes and put out the balls thereof Id. p. 448. Guimundus the Kings Chaplain grieving that the Beauclerk bestowed his preferment on unworthy persons being on Rogation day to read that lesson of St. James It rained not on the earth III years and VI months it he purposely read it rained not one one one year and five one months All men laughing and wondring the King chid him and asked the reason Marry quoth he I see you bestow your preferment only on such as can read so which the King considering preferred him and was after more careful in his other Choices Speeds Hist 448. Prince William Son to the Beauclerk Richard his base Brother his Sister the Countess of Perch with many others to the number of one hundred and sixty persons perisht by ship-wrack coming from Normandy Of whom a writer speaks that God suffered not those unnatural wantons being Sodomiticâ labe fere omnes infecti to have Christian burial but were swallowed up by the Seas when her waves were most calm the Mariners in their drink striving to out-sail the Kings Ship dasht against a rock Id. p. 449. Beauclerk and the Pope at Gisory had an enterview where two youths of the Kings company Sons of the Earl of Mellent gravelled the Cardinals in disputing who had nothing to say but that there was more learning in the VVestern parts than they had thought Id. p. 449. Henry Beauclerk died at St. Dennis and was thence conveighed to Roan where he was emboweled salted and wrapped up in a Bulls hide to avoide the stench which was so intolerable that the Physitian who took out his brains was poisoned therewith and presently died whereupon it was observed that other Kings killed men in their lives but this when he was dead p. 452. Henry Fits Empress razed and cast down one thousand one hundred and fifteen Castles raised in the time of King Stephen 452. Maud the Empress to escape her enemies hands was laid in a Coffin as dead bound fast with Cords and so carried in a Horse-litter from the Devizes to Glocester and after being close girt in Oxford by King Stephen she clothed her self and her followers all in White and so in the Snow deceived the Sentinels and got safe to Wallingford Speeds Hist p. 461. King Lewes of France cast the Popes Bull whereby he required the Fruits of Vacancies of all Cathedral Churches in France into the fire saying That he had rather the Popes Bull should rost in the fire than his own soul fry in Hell p. 463. Eustace the Son of King Stephen having plundered the Monkes of Bury of their Corn and provision being set at Dinner the first bit he put into his mouth drove him into a Frenzy whereof he shortly after died p. 465. Henry the second besieging Bridgenorth had been slain with an arrow had not Hubert St. Clare cast himself between death and the King taking the arrow in his own bosome to preserve his Soveraign As Sejanus bare the ruins of a banqueting house with the peril of his life from the Emperor Tiberius p. 466. Henry de Essex Standard-bearer to Henry the second abandoning the Royal standard was challenged for it by Robert de Montford and in single battel at Reding vanquished was thereon shorn a Monk and shortly after died Id. p. 465. King Henry the second and Queen Elianor being Crowned at Worcester laid their Diadems on the high Altar as Godfry of Bulloigne would not wear a Crown of Gold at Hierusalem where Christ wore a Crown of Thorns 466. Henry the Second crowning in his life-time his Eldest Son and at the feast carrying the first dish The Arch-bishop of York saying in pleasaunce to the young King Rejoyce my fair Son for there is no Prince in the world hath such a Servitor attending on his Table as you The unnatural young man answered why wonder you at this My Father knows that he doth nothing that misbecomes him that his Father was royal born but of one side but our self are Royal born both by one side and other p. 470. Henry the second for the death of Becket submitted voluntarily to this Pennance he went three miles bare-foot so that much blood issued from his feet and received by way of discipline 80 lashes at the hands of Bishops and Monks on his bare flesh Speeds Hist p. 476. Henry the Son of Henry the second who had often rebelled against his Father when on his death-bed the Father fearing danger to himself would not come to see him but sent his ring in token of reconciliation he keeping the ring with many tears and confessing his fault at the approach of his death would needs be drawn out of his bed and laid upon another strewed with Ashes where he departed in a most penitent manner p. 478. When Hierusalem was first recovered by the Christians and when it was after fourscore years lost from the Christians a Frederick was Emperor and Vrban was Pope and Heraclius was Patriarch p. 479. When Henry the Second by the opposition of his Son Richard was fain to abandon Ments in Main he uttered these words against his Son That since he had taken from him that day the thing that he most loved in the world he would requite him for after that day he would deprive him of that thing in him which should best please a child viz. his heart and finding his Son John in the Catalogue of the Conspirators against him he bitterly cursed the hour of his birth laying Gods curse and his own upon his Sons which he would never recal for any perswasions of the Bishops and others p. 479. Henry the second being dead all his attendants fell to spoiling and left him naked of whom one saith Surely these Flies sought Honey these Wolves a Carcass They followed not the man but the spoil And when King Richard met his Fathers Corps the Corps fell fresh a bleeding p. 480. Hugh Bishop of Lincoln Visiting the Nunnery of Godstow finding a fair Herse-cloth over Rosamunds Tomb thought the Herse of a Harlot no fit spectacle for a Quire of Virgins to contemplate and therefore he caused her bones to be cast out of the Church
it was to Crown the Scottish King in her Brothers absence had stolen from her Husband with all his light Horses to set the Crown on Bruces head being taken by Edward the second was set in a wooden Cage made Crown-wise on the Walls of Barwick Castle for all to wonder at 561. The Scots at Bancksborn obtained a famous Victory over the English under Edward the second by this stratagem Before their Battalions they digged certain Trenches three foot deep and three foot broad which having fixed sharp stakes in them with their points upwards they covered so with hurdles that foot men treading warily might pass but not Horse in which King Edward's Cavalry were intrapped and so miserably slain and the battel lost King Edward the second having put to death Thomas Earl of Lancaster a Courtier of mean birth being condemned many potent Favorites pressed the King on his behalf The King brake forth into these most vehement words A Plague upon you for cursed whisperers malicious backbiters wicked Counsellors Intreat you for the life of a most notorious Knave who the longer he lives the more Villanies will he commit and would not speak a word for the life of my near kinsman the noble Earl Thomas He shall therefore dye the death he hath deserved Id. p. 569. When Queen Isabel rose in rebellion against King Edward the second her husband Adam de Olton Bishop of Hereford her bosome Counsellor at Oxford chose this Text My head my head aketh 2 King 4.19 On which he delivered to them the reason of the Queens coming with an Army concluding more like a Butcher than a Divine That an aking and sick head of a Kingdom was of necessity to be taken off and not to be tampered with by any other Physick Speeds Hist p. 574. The Commission sent to put Edward the second to death was a witty but wicked Amphibology being written and left uncomma'd in these words Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est which being comma'd after Timere was a command after Nolite was a prohibition and so occasioned the death of the King and the Ruine of those that did it p. 579. Edmund Earl of Kent by the practice of his Enemies was condemned to death for endeavouring to set at liberty his brother King Edward the second who was dead before and had his head stricken off at Winchester Castle Gate having stood from noon till five at night and none found to behead him till a base wretch of the Marshalsea was sent and did it p. 579. Edward the third in his Minority being over-ruled by Mortimer things went much to wrack on which was made this Rime Long beards heartless painted Hoods witless Gay Coates graceless make England thriftless When the Sea forces of Edward the third had spoiled the Abbey of St. Colmes in Scotland the whole Fleet as a punishment for that sacrilege was battered with a tempest and some of them perisht At another time the like sacrilege being perpetrated the ship in which the sacrilegious goods were sunk into the bottom without any Tempest Id. p. 581. When Edward the third and Philip of Valois had brought two mighty Armies of an hundred thousand men apiece into the Field to face one another by the mediation of Jane of Valois Sister to Philip and Mother in Law to Edward they withdrew and struck not a stroak Speeds H. p. 585. Small matters many times occasion great effects Edward the third King of England dancing with the beautiful Lady Joan Countess of Salisbury her Garter falling off the King took it up at which the Nobles smiling the King seriously said it should not be long before there should be Soveraign honour done to that Silken Tie whereupon he instituted the honor of the Garter whose Motto is Honi soit qui mal y pense p. 588. The black Prince at the battel of Cressy being overpressed and in danger the Lords that were with him sent to his Father to come and succour him Who made this answer Let them send no more to me for any adventure that may befall while my Son is alive But let him either vanquish or dye because the honor of this brave day shall be his if God suffer him to live p. 590. King Edward the third besieging Callis the Enemy turned forth fifteen hundred of the poorer sort whom the good King turned not back but relieved them with victuals and money and suffered them safely to pass through his Camp Speeds Hist 591. Henry Earl of Lancaster at the taking of the Town of Brigerack by assault had permitted every Souldier to seize any House and to convert the same and what was in it to his own proper use A certain Souldier named Reeth having broken into a House where the Moneyors had stowed all the Moneys of the Country not thinking that the Generals pleasure was that so great a Treasure should be converted to a private use He acquainted the General with it who answered That the House and all therein was his according as he had first proclaimed let them be worth what they would And when the Souldier again told him of the great Treasure there found He replied What tellest thou me of the greatness of the Treasure Go take enjoy For to give then to take it back again is childs play I have once said and my word being once passed cannot with honor be revoked Speeds Hist p. 592. It is observed of King Edward the third that he had alwayes fair weather in his passage into Erance and foul weather in his return p. 593. Henry Pecard Lord Mayor of London at one time feasted four Kings viz. of England Scotland France and Cyprus p. 594. A terrible tempest that destroyed many horse and men in Edward the third's Army occasioned him to encline to agreements of peace which before he was utterly averse to p. 595. Edward Son to the Earl of Cambridge married the daughter of the King of Portugal but afterwards neither would the Earl leave his Son behind as suspecting the Portugals Faith nor the other entrust his daughter to the Earl so that they remained disjoyned in body however united in Ceremony Wat Tylers Companions in an holy outrage burning the Savoy threw one of their felâ—ows into the flames because he had thrusts piece of stollen plaâ—â— into his bosome p. 607. When Richarâ— the second entered Scotland the Scâ—ts had so retired thâ—mselves and all their goods that when the English came they could see no quick then left but Owles 611. A Monk bestows this Epitaph on Wicklif The Divels Instrument Churches Enemy Peoples Confusion Hereticks Idol Hypocrites mirrour Schismes broacher Hatreds sower Lies Forger Flatteries sink who at his death despaired like Cain and stricken by the horrible judgment of God breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansions of the black Divel Whereby Gods children may learn not to regard while they live the malice nor to expect after their death ought else but the
be imployed to better purposes But the Clergy by moving the King to the Conquest of France waved the force of the bill so that it was laid asleep Id. p. 445. In the year one thousand four hundred and fifteen the twenty fifth of October being Fryday was fought the battel of Agincourt where the French had six times the number of the English and were so confident before hand that they had in their thoughts divided the spoil but received a most terrible overthrow through Gods assistance and the English Valour and the Policy of sharp stakes pitched in the ground before the Archers to break the force of the Horse-men Grafton Vol. 2. 454. When King Henry the fifth being in France heard that his Son afterwards Henry the sixth was born at Windsor not fancying the place he spake these prophetical words I Henry born at Monmouth shall small time raign and get much but Henry born at Windsor shall long raign and lose all But as God will so be it p. 490. Lewes Duke of Orleance was owner of the Castle of Coucy His Constable was the Lord of Cawny whose wife the Dukes Paramour had a child not certain which was the Father Whereon Cawny and his wife being dead a Controversy arose the next of Kin to Cawny claiming the Inheritance which was four thousand Crowns per annum This controversy depending in the Parliament of Paris the child then eight years old though instructed by his Mothers Friends both to save his Mothers credit and to enjoy so ample an Inheritance to own himself as Cawnies child yet being asked answered openly before the Judges My heart giveth me and my noble courage telleth me that I am the Son of the noble Duke of Orleance more glad I am to be his bastard with a mean living than to be the lawful Son of that Coward Cuckold Cawny with his four thousand Crowns Inheritance The next of Kin had the Estate and the young Duke of Orleance took him into his Family who after proved a most Valiant and fortunate Warrier against the English in the days of Henry the sixth and is commonly called the Bastard of Orleance p. 530. Henry Beauford Bastard Son of John of Gaunt and Bishop of Winchester was made Cardinal and by his Bulls Legantine gathered so much treasure that he was truly called the rich Cardinal but not the learned Bishop or vertuous Priest Grafton Vol. 2. p. 524. Margaret daughter to James the Fourth King of Scotland married to Lewes Dolphin of France was of so nasty a complexion and stinking breath that her husband after the first night loathed her company for grief of which she soon after died p. 575. When Francis Duke of Brittain was in treaty of Marriage with Isabel daughter of James the fourth King of Scots his counsel advised him against it because she had little Wit or Womanhood He answered being enamoured on her fair face that it was enough for a Woman to judge the difference between the Doublet and Shirt of her husband and to know him in the dark from another man p. 575. A man that counterfeitâ—d himself blind came to St. Albans and gave out that at that Martyrs shrine he had his sight restored to him Humphrey the good Duke of Glocester being there sent for him who reasoning with him asked him what colour his Gown was The blind man readily answered not only to that but to many other colours in the Room Away Fellow saith the Duke thou wast never born blind that canst presently distinguish betâ—een colours and commanded him to be set openly in the Stocks Grafton Vol. 2. p. 598. When Cardinal Beauford Bishop of Winchester lay dying he used these words Why should I die having so much riches If the whole realm would save my life I am able either by Policy to get it or riches to buy it Fie will not death be hired will Money do nothing I had hope to have worn a Triple Crown but I see the world faileth me and I am deceived I pray you all to pray for me Id. p. 599. When the stout Earl of VVarwick heard that his Bastard brother and some others were slain in the beginning of a Battel and some began to fly he came to King Edward the fourth and alighting off his Horse slew him with his Sword saying Let him fly that will for surely I will tarry with those that will tarry with me Grafton Vol. 2. p. 654. When Henry Earl of Richmond was presented being but ten years old to King Henry the sixth He observing his Towardliness said to those that were about him Lo surely this is he to whom both we and our Adversary leaving the possession of all things shall hereafter give room and place 692. Henry the sixth that good but unfortunate Prince was the same day that he rode triumphantly thorough London apparelled in a Gown of blue Velvet taken by Edward the fourth and committed to Prison p. 702. King Edward the fourth called before him an aged Widdow which was wealthy and pleasantly demanded of her what she would give him towards his great charges By my troth said she for thy lovely Countenance thou shalt even have twenty pounds The King looking scarcely for half the sum thanked her and lovingly kist her Whether the Flavor of his breath did so comfort her stomach or she esteemed the kisses of a King so pretious a Jewel she swore incontinently he should have twenty pounds more which she with the same Will paid that she offered it Id. p. 719. One Banister that had been Servant to the Duke of Buckingham betraied his Master the Duke to Richard the third whether for fear or covetousness uncertain but sure it is that shortly after his Son and heir waxed mad and died in a boar-sty His eldest daughter before of excellent beauty was stricken with a Leprosy His second Son miserably deformed and lame in his limbs His younger Son drowned in a puddle And he himself in his extream old age found gulty of a Murther and saved by his Clergy and never had one farthing of the thousand pounds King Richard promised King Richard saying That he that would be untrue to so good a Master would be false to all others p. 825. Tâ—e Lord Cordes a French Commander so sore longed to gain Calice from the English that he would commonly say that he would gladly lie seven years in Hell so that Calice were in the possession of the French p. 882. In the year one thousand four hundred twenty and seven the English Merchants that had been before restrained were received in the City of Antwerp with general procession so glad was the Town of their returning by whom they had much gain Grafton Vol. 2 p. 922. Some Frenchmen taken before Calice in the raign of King Henry the eighth of England were sold in open Market A Cooper of Calice bought one of Bulloigne and had of his Prisoner a hundred Crowns for his Ransome When the money was paid the
of France having taken Cramyris his Eldest Son in battel who had rose in Rebellion against him as an example to all disobedient Children he enclosed him and his wife and Children in a House set it on fire and burned them in it Id. p. 91. Fredigund wife to King Chilperick resting on her bed her husband passing by with a little wand struck her upon the back the Queen not looking up and supposing the King gone a hunâ—ing said Landry why strikest thou me thus the King hearing these words made semblance as though he had not heard them but she perceiving it was the King for fear coâ—trived and procured his death the same day as he came from Hunting Id. p. 109. Brunchild the wife to Segebert the fourth Son of Lotharius the first King of France having been a great stickler in the French affairs and the death of no less than ten Princes was at last by the King and Peers of France condemned to be tied to a Wild Horse-tail by the hair of her head and so to be drawn till she was dead which accordingly was done Id. p. 131. Clodoveus Son of Dagobert King of France in a great dearth caused the Church of St. Dennis which his Father had covered with Plates of Silver to be covered with lead and the Silver given to the relief of the poor Id. p. 151. Aelfrid King of the VVest Saxons being naturally inclined to Incontinency praied that God would send him such a disease that might hinder his lust but not unfit him for the managing he affairs of his Kingdom And he accordingly had the disease called Ficus Fabian Hist 1. part p. 216. A noble man named Hebert having invited Charles the simple King of France to his Castle there treacherously murthered him Lewes the fifth his Son long time after attaining the Crown intends revenge Having convened his Nobles amongst which Hebert was one a Messenger brought him a letter which while he read and smiled his Nobles asked what that letter imported he told them that a Kinsman of his in England had acquainted him that a husbandman inviting his Lord to dinner treacherously slew him and desired to know of him what such a one deserved and since they were thus met he desired their opinion They all and Hebert amongst them adjudged him to a shameful death The King turning to Hebert told him Thou art the man who hast treacherously slain my Father and therefore I Judge thee out of thy own mouth and accordingly he was immediately executed Id. p. 237. King Edward Son of Edgar being slain by his step-mothers command and buried in VVimborn she intending to Visit him by way of Pilgrimage could not by any means make the Horse she rid on come nigh the place of his burial Fabian Hist 1. part p. 255. Robert Duke of Normandy being chosen King of Jerusalem hearing of the death of his Brother VVilliam Rufus King of England minding to succeed him refused Jerusalem but as Authors say for that refusal of providence never prospered after Id. 319. Philip the Eldest Son of Lewes Son of Philip King of France being a youth riding through the streets of Paris for his disport a Hog suddainly started up which frighted his Horse so that he threw him off with so great Violence that he died that night Id. p. 332. Emanuel Emperor of Constantinople when the VVestern Princes about the year one thousand one hundred and fifty went against the Saracens sold them Meal mingled with lime whereof many of the Christian Army perisht 341. King Henry the second returning out of Ireland when on VVhitsunday he was taking horse suddainly appeared unto him a Man of pale and wan colour barefoot in a white Kirtyl and said Sir King Christ greeteth thee well and commandeth thee strictly that no Market or servile work be holden upon the Sunday in the lands of thy Lordship out take what belongeth to the dressing of meat and if thou so dost all shall prosper with thee The King bad the Knight that held his Horse ask him whether he had dreamed this The man replied whether I have dreamed or no take thou heed of my saying that if thou mend not thy life thou shalt shortly hear such things as shall make thee sorry to thy lives end This spoken the man suddainly vanisht and the King not amending himself was unfortunate ever after Fabian Hist p. 349. Epitaphium H. 2. Regis Angli Sufficit hic tumulus cui non suffecerit Orbis Res brevis est ampla cui fuit ampla brevis Rex Henricus eram mihi plurima regna subegi Multiplicique modo Duxque Comesque fui Cui satis ad Votum non â—ssent omnia terrae Climata Terra modo sufficit octo pedum Qui legis haec pensa discrimina mortis in me Humanae speculum conditionis habe Quod potes instanter operare bonuÌ„ quia mundus Transit incautos mors inopina rapit Id. p. 356. Epitaphium Frederici Imper. Si probitas sensus Virtutis gratia census Nobilitas ortûs possent resistere morti Non foret extinctus Fredericus qui jacet intus Fabian Hist 2. Vol. p. 53. In the year of our Lord one thousand two hundred seventy two at Greenwich near London a Lamb was yeaned having two perfect bodies with all their members but one head Id p. 99. In the yeâ—r of our Lord one thousand two hundred eighty six a Woman in Switzerland was delivered of a Child that from the Navâ—l upwards had two compleat bodies and downward was but one and another woman bore a Child whose head and face was like a Man and all the rest of the body like a Lion Boniface the eighth minding to get the Popedom hired one of the Chamberlains to Coelestine the fifth who was a good and holy but simple man in the dead of the night to speak in a reed and say Coelestine if thou wilt be saved renounce this Pomp of the VVorld and serve me as thou didst before He having often heard the voyce took it for a Divine warning resigned the Popedom and would have retired into the VVilderness But Boniface fearing his restauration held him Prisoner and so used him that he shortly after died Id 158. The three wives of the three Sons of Philip the fair King of France which wives were Sisters Daughters to the Duke of Burgoigne were at one time accused of Spouse-breach the two eldest convict and the youngest was cleared the two wives put in Prison and the two paramours hanged The youngest vvas restored to her husband Charles after King of France but from him aftervvards divorced because her Mother vvas Godmother to her husband Fabian Vol. 2. p. 163. 189. In the third year of the raign of Philip the fifth of France the Provost of Paris having in his Prison a Picard a man of great riches vvhich vvas judged to be hanged The said Provost being hired thereunto vvith great Sums of Money took another Innocent Man and put
had Herod and Philip the Tetrarchs Herod would have compelled the Pharisees to swear obedience to him who would not but Phaeroras his wife payeth their fine hoping by their means to obtain the Kingdom for her Sons whereupon he cast off his houshold Servants that were of the Pharisees faction and requireth Phaeroras to put away his wife Antipater whom Herod had joyned with him in the government conspires against his Father is accused condemned and cast into Prison who was convinced to have prepared poyson for his Father which being given as a Tryal to a condemned Malefactor presently kill'd him Herod fell sick of a terrible painful burning sickness in his intrails with a Canine appetite an vlcer in his bowels a furious Collick His members rotted and were full of crawling wormes a perpetual Priapisme with an intolerable stench a violent convulsion of his Nerves and shortness of breath Apprehending his death he sent for the Nobles of the Jews upon pain of death to come to him shuâ— them up in the Hippodrome and commanded his Sister Salome and his brother Alenas that at his death the Soldiers should kill them that so he might not die without Lamentation but Salome and Alenas discharged them and sent them home unhurt Six daies before he died he caused his Son Antipater to be slain He raigned after the Romans appointed him King thirty and seven years He died after Christs birth one year and lived sixty and left his Kingdom to Archelaus Joseph Antiq. from p. 370. to 450. When Herod assaulted certain Thieves who had betaken themselves unto their Caves there was an old man amongst them with his wife and seven Sons who being required by them that he would suffer them to go and submit themselves took up the entry of the Cave and as his Sons advanced themselves to issue out he slew them so that having massacred them all and afterwards his wife and cast their dead bodies down the Rock he reviled Herod to his face refused his proffered pardon and threw himself down head-long after them preferring death before servitude Ioseph Antiq. p. 377. At such time as Caesar and Anthony made Trial of their Titles in the Actian Warr and in the seventh year of the raign of King Herod there happened such an earth quake in the Country of Judaea that divers beasts were slain and many men over-whelm'd with the ruine of their Houses and perished to the number of ten thousand Id. 391. At that time viz. when Pontius Pilate was governour was Jesus a Wise-man if it be lawful to call him a man For he was the performer of divers admirable works and the instructor of those who willingly entertain the truth He drew unto him divers Jews and Greeks to be his followers This was Christ who being accused by the Princes of our nation before Pilate was condemned by him to the Cross yet did not those that followed him forbear to love him notwithstanding the ignominy of his death For he appeared unto them alive the third day after according as the Divine prophets had before testified and divers wonderful things were done by him and from that time the race of the Christians who have derived their name from him have never ceased Id. 466. Decius Mundus a Roman Knight profered six thousand pounds to Paulina a beautiful but chaste Lady for one nights free enjoying her but was refused She afterwards by the contrivance of I le the Priest of Isis who pretended to her that their God Anubis desired familiarity with her was prevailed with to take her lodging in the Temple and there entertained Mundus instead of Anubis which he bragging of to her she informes her husband who complained to the Emperor Tiberius of the abuse who hang'd the Priest destroyed the Temple and threw Anubis Statue into Tiber and banished Mundus Id. p. 468. Four Jews dwelling in Rome and expounding the Law had prevailed with Fulvia a noble Lady and wife to Saturnine to become a Proselyte and to send Purple and Gold to the Temple at Jerusalem which they received and converted to their own use This being discovered and complaint made to Tiberius he commanded all the Jews to depart ouâ— of Rome so that Multitudes suffered for the offence of four Joseph Jews Antiq. p. 4 8. Vitellius shewed the Jews great favour came to Jerusalem restored to them the custody of the Priestly Vestments sent Pontius Pilate to Rome and removed Caiaphas from his Priest-hood and advanced Jonathan the Son of Ananus to that dignity Id. p. 463. Philip the Tetrarch Reigned thirty seven years and behaved himself very peaceably he made his ordinary abode within his own Dominions He walked being accompanied with a small number of his chosen servants and had that seat carried after him wherein he was accustomed to sit and do justice And therein sate he to the end that if any one presented himself and required his assistance he might without delay do him right for on the first motion the seat was placed in that path wherein the Plantiff met him and being seated thereon he examined the cause punished the guilty and absolved the innocent Id. p. 471. Herod the second having put away the Daughter of Aretas King of Arabia his lawful wife and taken Herodias who was his Brother Aristobulus Daughter and his Brother Philip's wife Philip yet living was discomfited by Aretas Souldiers and his Army quite overthrown divers of the Jews were of the opinion that God justly punish'd him for the death of John the Baptist whom Josephus commends for his vertue and ascribes his death to Herods fear lest his Subjects being allured by his Doctrines and perswasions should be drawn to revolt Id. p. 471. Herod's progeny is related by Josephus that we may know that neither the number of Children nor any other humane force can be available without the fear of God considering that within the space of one hundred years all Herods Line which was very numerous was extinguisht a very few excepted Joseph p. 471. Agrippa the Great the Son of Aristobulus who was Herods Son by Mariamne married Cypros the Daughter of Salamso the Daughter of Mariamne by Herod which Salamso was the wife of Phaseolus the Son of Phaseolus Herod's Brother Agrippa had by his wife Cypros three Daughter Bernice Mariamne and Drusilla and two Sons Drasis that died young and Agrippa so that Agrippa the Great and his wife were both the Grandchildren of Herod the Great Id p. 471. Agrippa the Great riding with Cajus Caligula wisht the death of Tiberius his Uncle and Cajus his Succession and was complained of by his Coachman to Tiberius who kept him six months in chains in Prison he was told by a German conjecturing from the sight of an Owl which sat over his head of his future prosperity and death within five days he should again see that Bird. When Cajus came to the Empire he released him from Prison and created him King of Judaea and had the Tetrarchy of
Husband brings a Portion to his Wife in the presence of the Friends of both parties which she immediately gives to her Parents for their care and cost in breeding which if they have need the Parents may spend if not they give again to the daughter to give to her Sons or spend at her pleasure So that amongst them he is held to be most rich that hath most daughters Juan Gonçcales Hist de la China p. 44. In the Provinces of China near Tartary they have this remarkable custome Their Law requires all men and women to marry by such an age or else to profess Religion and live single Now those that can match themselves may but for those that cannot they have this Provision The Governour and Viceroy in each Province appoint a certain time and Chief City at which and to which all those who are willing to marry may and do come both men and women where twelve principal men are appointed Judges before whom they present themselves who take their names and qualities of their persons and substance wherewith to endow their Wives and then of the number and if they find more of the one Sex than t e other they cast Lots and the supernumeraries are reserved to be first provided the next year Six of these Judges divide the men into three parts The very Rich the Indifferent the Poor The other six Judges the mean while divide the Maids into the Beautiful the indifferent the unhansome Which done the Judges give the beautiful to the very rich and they give what the Judges appoint to them The indifferent rich to the indifferents hansome who pay nothing for them And the unhansome to the poor men with the money the rich paid divided by equal portions Thus in one day they are all Married though paradventure not all well contented Id. p. 46. The King of China besides his Queen makes choice of thirty Concubines of the most beautiful Ladies in his Kingdom who live in the Royal palace while he lives and when he dies takes this care for them that after his obsequies are past his successor doth cause these thirty Concubines to be most curiously and rich arrayed and then placed in a large Hall so vailed that none may know them or see their faces Which done there enter into the Hall thirty of the Principal Noble men whom the deaâ— King nominated in his Will either according to their age or nomination and each of them takes one of those Ladies so vailed and accâ—utred by the hand and so leads her to his own house and there keeps her for his VViâ—e and highly respects her having a yearly constant allowance out of the Royal Palace for her honourable maintenance Gonçales Hist de la China p 46. Pope Julius the third being in the heat of Summer walking in his â—hamber without his Gown and Robes two Cardinals coming to Visit him drew back but he called them into his Chamber and told them that their Robes must needs be a great burden to them who had walked in the Sun since he could not endure his in the shade and therefore commanded them and compelled them though unwilling to lay aside theirs and to walk with him in Cuerpo Having thus walked a little while the Pope asked them What would our Romans say if they should see us thus walk through the streets of the City They ansvvered They vvould esteem us Rogues and hardly suffer us to pass from them vvithout ignominious usage To whom the Pope replies Behold my Brethren how much we are beholding to our Garments that defend us from Injuries and procure to us so great an esteem of Holiness Melander p. 33. When Tecelius was sent by Pope Leo the tenth with his Indulgences into Germany a certain Saxon Carrier came to him and asked him if he could grant him pardon for not only those sins he had already but those he should commit thereafter and told him if he could he would give him ten Crowns The Monk paused upon it and told him it was a difficult case but yet if he would give thirty his power from Pope Leo did extend to pardon which was done Tecelius rejoycing at the purchase he had made returning with his monies this Carrier way-lays him Robs him and went into the town Tecelius was going to who being come accuseth him to the Magistrate the Carrier pleads that he had his pardon and so produceth the Popes bull that he had from Tecelius The Magistrate gives Credit to it Tecelius hath the worst of it and is laught and hist from the bar with contempt and disgrace Otho Meland Joca seria p. 55. Hemingius a worthy Divine relates this Story of a Woman that being grievously troubled with sore Eyes applies her self to a Scholar for remedy and promiseth him if he could cure her a good reward The Scholar though utterly ignorant yet out of hope of the reward undertakes it He takes a piece of paper and therein writes Characters never before seen or heard of and under them in great Letters The Divel pull out thy Eyes and fill the holes with Dung This Paper fo ded up and sowed in a Cloth he commands the Woman to wear abouâ— her neck she obeys and was cured About a year or two after the Woman had a great desire to see what it was she wore opens the bag causeth the Paper to be read is exceedingly displeased at it throws away the Paper and her distemper in her Eyes again returns Otho Mela. Joca seria p. 91. Jacobus Latomus who had written against Luther being near unto death caused to be called to him some of those they call Magistri Nostri at Paris and said with grief and deep sighs I have therefore call'd you together that I might testifie unto you that the Doctrine of Luther which you so furiously persecute is the true Doctrine of Christ the Apostles and the Church and that which you defend is wicked and divelish and that for writings which against my conscience knowingly and wittingly I have put forth I am a damned wretch When they amazedly beheld him some of the wiser sort advised him not to despair of Gods mercy though he judged he had done amiss He discourses to them concerning the banishments punishments and death that through his means many had suffered adds In vain do you labour to comfort me for I am sure I am damned and with this word ended his wretched life Otho Meland 107. In the year one thousand five hundred twenty six two brethren whose names were Thomas and Leonard Schykers living near a City called Mullegas met on the seventh of February at the House of their Father with other of their Opinions being Anabaptists and having spent the night in Enthusiastical discourses and gestures early in the Morning Thomas commanded his brother Leonard to kneel down before his Father and the rest of the Company who advised him that he would not do any thing unfitting he replyed nothing